Maternal activity and fetal movement: A scoping review

Abstract

Purpose: This scoping review aimed to comprehensively examine methods for measuring changes in fetal movement in response to maternal activity and synthesize evidence on objective measurement techniques. Methods: Literature exploring the relationship between maternal physical activity and fetal movement was included. Databases searched included PubMed, Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Psychological Abstracts Information Services, and Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature, supplemented by manual searches. Articles were screened by title and abstract, with eligibility determined through full-text review. Data extracted included title, author, publication year, gestational age, number of participants, device used, measurement methods, type of maternal activity, and fetal response (increased, unchanged, or decreased). Findings were summarized in a table. Additionally, study quality was assessed using risk-of-bias tools specific for each study design. Results: On September 1st, 2025, 1660 references were identified, with 12 articles included. Fetal movement was measured before and after maternal physical activity in nine studies. Of these studies, maternal perception was used in three, and ultrasound in six. Fetal movement during maternal physical activity was measured in three studies, and in all studies, maternal perception was used. Conclusion: No literature provides detailed methods for objectively measuring fetal movement during maternal physical activity, highlighting a research gap. We expect to obtain key findings relevant to physical therapy in the NICU by exploring objective methods for measuring fetal movement during maternal activity and investigating fetal responses to maternal activity in future research.