بررسی تاثیر شمارش حرکات جنین در سه ماهه سوم بارداری بر سطح اعتماد به نفس و خود کار آمدی مادر: یک کارآزمایی بالینی

Introduction: Self-esteem and self-efficacy are the main effective factors on properfunctioning sense of responsibility and roles of motherhood. Using the promotionmethods of self-esteem and self-efficacy may improve pregnancy outcomes. The aim of thisstudy was to detect the effect of counting fetal movements on self-esteem and self-efficacyof nulliparous women. Methods: In a randomized controlled trial study 200 nulliparous women participated,selected by convenience sampling, and were randomly divided into experimental andcontrol groups. In the first group, the women counted the fetal movements during 28 to37 weeks of gestation and the second group received the standard antenatal care. The selfesteemand self-efficacy of mothers were assessed and compared in 28 and 37 week in thetwo groups. Data were analyzed with SPSS 16 and P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: There was not a significant difference in the mean scores of self-esteem in 28weeks of gestation between the two groups, but the difference was significant in 37 weeks of gestation (4.08 &plusmn; 23.31 in the experimental group and 4.60 &plusmn; 21.29 in the control group, P < 0.001). No difference was found in the mean scores of self-efficacy in 28 weeks of gestation between the two groups, but the difference was significant in 37 weeks of gestation (5.18 &plusmn; 32.06 in the intervention group and 6.56 &plusmn; 29.82 in the control group, P= 0.007). Conclusions: The women who counted the fetal movements during 28 to 37 weeks of gestation reported a better self-esteem and self-efficacy than the control group. Using this simple and useful method for improving self-esteem and self-efficacy of mothers during pregnancy is suggested to all health care providers.