Fetal manipulation for facilitating tests of fetal wellbeing

Tan KH, Sabapathy A

Published Online:

April 16, 2008

No evidence that manual fetal manipulation of unborn babies make tests of their wellbeing more effective.

Tests on unborn babies such as ultrasound and heart rate testing are carried out to check their wellbeing. As a baby's sleep periods can alter those results, various methods are used to wake the baby. Manual fetal manipulation is one of the methods. The review of trials did not find this method to be effective. Research on manual fetal manipulation should take into consideration that there have not been any benefits demonstrated as yet.

Abstract (click to read)

Background:

Manual fetal manipulation has been suggested to improve the efficiency of antepartum fetal heart rate testing.

Objectives:

The objective of this review was to assess the merits or adverse effects of the use of manual fetal manipulation in conjunction with tests of fetal wellbeing.

Search strategy:

We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (October 2007).

Selection criteria:

All published and unpublished randomised controlled trials assessing the merits of the use of fetal manipulation in conjunction with tests of fetal wellbeing.

Data collection and analysis:

Both review authors independently extracted data and assessed trial quality. Authors of published and unpublished trials were contacted for further information.

Main results:

Only three trials with a total of 1100 women with 2130 episodes of participation were included. Manual fetal manipulation did not decrease the incidence of non-reactive antenatal cardiotocography test (odds ratio 1.28, 95% confidence interval 0.94 to 1.74).

Authors' conclusions:

Manual fetal manipulation has not been shown to reduce the incidence of non-reactive cardiotocography. Trials of manual fetal manipulation should take into consideration that there have not been any benefits demonstrated as yet.

This record should be cited as:

Tan KH, Sabapathy A. Fetal manipulation for facilitating tests of fetal wellbeing. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2001, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD003396. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003396

Assessed as up to date:

October 29, 2007

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Primary Review Group:

Pregnancy and Childbirth Group

Health topics:

Pregnancy & childbirth > Fetal assessment before labour > Impaired fetal growth & well-being

Cochrane Summaries^beta

Independent high-quality evidence for health care decision making

Fetal manipulation for facilitating tests of fetal wellbeing

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