Abstract

Reduced fetal movements (RFM) is an important warning sign during pregnancy, requiring immediate medical assessment. Pregnant people frequently search for RFM information online, before consulting healthcare professionals. This study examined the accuracy of Google search results about RFM. Seven misinformation targets were identified, and Google searches were conducted to find webpages with RFM content. These webpages were then evaluated against each target. We found that half of the search results contained misinformation. Common inaccuracies included advising counting kicks, asserting that feeling a specific number of movements confirms fetal well-being, and suggesting methods to stimulate movements. Such misleading information is concerning as it can delay medical attention, potentially leading to adverse pregnancy outcomes, including stillbirth. Most misinformation identified originated from US commercial websites including What to Expect, Parents and Healthline. Conversely, public health websites, particularly from countries with established RFM guidelines like the UK and Ireland, were found to be more accurate and appeared higher in search rankings. To improve safety, it is recommended that Google enhance its search algorithm to deprioritise inaccurate content and implement warnings for RFM-related searches. Healthcare providers should guide pregnant people toward reliable information and advise caution regarding commercial websites.