Relationship between fetal activity and subsequent infant temperament

A nonexperimental, descriptive correlational design was used to test the relationship between fetal activity and subsequent infant temperament. Thirty-eight primigravida women, at low risk for adverse obstetrical outcomes, were recruited from childbirth preparation classes. Fetal activity was assessed between 35-39 weeks for both a Nonstress Test (NST) recording and a maternal fetal movement count (FMC) log. Two months after birth, infant temperament was rated by the mother using the Rothbart Infant Temperament Questionnaire (RITQ). A significant relationship was found between fetal activity and the rating of the infant activity at 2 months of age. The most consistent correlation was found between the measure of maternal perception of fetal activity and maternal perception of infant activity. The finding from this study suggest that maternal perception of fetal activity and the FMC score do measure common features of fetal activity and are related to maternal perception of infant activity at 2 months of age.