Publications
Evaluating online information on reduced fetal movements: A mixed-methods study
Pregnant women are unclear on what to do when they experience reduced fetal movements. Webpages lack complete clinical guidance, while forums share non-evidence-based tips. Healthcare providers should provide women with quality information and warn against online information.
- Authors
Sarah Houlihan, Anne-Marie Farrell, Keelin O'Donoghue
- Year
- 2026
- Journal Name
- Irish Journal of Medical Science
- Category
- Journal Article
- Keywords
- Awareness / Knowledge, Stillbirth
- Full Citation
Houlihan S, Farrell AM, O’Donoghue K. Evaluating online information on reduced fetal movements: a mixed-methods study. Irish Journal of Medical Science. 2026. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-026-04342-x.
- Link to Publication
Abstract
Reduced fetal movement is a risk factor for stillbirth, but prompt medical assessment allows for potential intervention. As pregnant women seek reduced fetal movement information online before medical consultation, quality of online content is vital.
Webpages from the Google search results about reduced fetal movement were compared against the Irish Clinical Guideline to understand if they contain all the relevant information about reduced fetal movement. An online pregnancy forum was analysed to see what women knew about reduced fetal movement.
Not one of the 48 unique webpages examined contained all the necessary clinical advice, and almost half gave conflicting information that could delay medical care. Pregnant women on the forum reported feeling anxious and confused, mirroring the lack of quality webpage content. Non-evidence-based advice was shared, sometimes provided to women by healthcare professionals.
To address this, healthcare professionals should actively warn women about incomplete online advice. They should provide pregnant women with the printed patient information leaflet from the Guideline and verbal education. They should ensure every pregnant woman knows to seek immediate medical assessment for reduced fetal movements. Websites are also urged to update their content to align with the Guideline.