Staff perception of women’s awareness of FMs
In all FDGs, health providers agree that the best judge about FMs
patterns is the mother herself. However, they were convinced that women
did not have enough awareness and knowledge about FMs, do not understand
questions about the way their baby is moving, and therefore asking them
about it does not contribute to their care.
‘Only if the mother does routinely check the FMs, it’s
possible to know if the baby is asleep or not. She has to know the
rhythm of the baby. Most mothers don’t know the pattern of their baby’s
movement and they don’t really know whether the baby is kicking or
asleep.’ (Healthcare provider)
‘Some mothers are asked and know about changes but most do not
understand’ (Healthcare provider)
‘Primes don’t really know what a kick or a push is, so you
have to explain to them how it feels.’ (Healthcare provider)
ANC nurses said to trust women’s perception of FMs.
‘I think it is worrisome when it’s [FMs] abnormal for the
mother. A mother knows when something is wrong with her child. So, if
she says it [FMs] is different and she’s worried: it is’. (Healthcare provider)