Losing contact with one's unborn baby--mothers' experiences prior to receiving news that their baby has died in utero.

Background: A change in the pattern of movement of her unborn baby could be indicative that the baby might die.
Aim: To study mothers' experiences during the time prior to receiving news that their baby has died.
Method: Interviews with 26 mothers.
Results: Premonition that something had happened to their baby, a sense based on a lack of movements were experienced. Six categories describe the mother's insight that the baby's life was threatened: not feeling in touch with their baby; worry feeling something is wrong; not understanding the unbelievable; wanting information; and being certain that their baby had died. The overarching theme "There is something wrong" was formulated.
Conclusion: The mother could not understand the unbelievable: that the baby had died in utero.
Implications: Mother's should be cautioned to trust their insights and seek medical advice if they are concerned over the lack of movement from the unborn baby.