Counting the Baby's Movements or Fetal Kick Counts
During pregnancy, pre-born babies should move frequently. Fetal activity begins to be noticed by pregnant mother at approximately 18 to 20 weeks. During these weeks, fetal movement may only be felt sporadically. However, after approximately about 28 weeks, fetal movement becomes more noticeable and seems more frequent. Babies will have times when they may not moving as frequently during sleep cycles. Most mothers will notice a pattern of fetal activity during her pregnancy when movement becomes noticeable.
Fetal movement varies from hour to hour and day to day. Fetal movement is an indication of a baby?s health. Therefore, when fetal activity slows, further evaluation is necessary. If a woman notices a marked reduction in fetal activity, fetal kick counts can provide an objective measure of how the baby is doing. If the baby passes the fetal kick counts, then generally the baby is doing okay. If the baby does not pass fetal kick counts, it does not mean that the baby is not doing well, but further evaluation is necessary to insure the health of the baby. Generally we do a non-stress test on labor and delivery for decreased fetal activity. A non-stress test is a noninvasive procedure where a woman is placed on a fetal monitor. The monitor will graph the baby?s heart rate and the mother?s contraction pattern. Fetal movement is associated with increases in the baby?s heart rate. If we see satisfactory fetal heart rate increases associated with fetal movement, the test is normal. If this test is not reassuring, an ultrasound will be performed to assess the baby?s health.
Pre-born babies will be most active after a meal. Therefore, fetal kick counts should be performed after a meal. The first hour after a meal, the baby should move at least four times. If the baby does not move at least four times, the mother should monitor a second hour. If the baby does not move at least 10 movements within this two hour period, then further evaluation is necessary.
Generally it is not necessary to call the doctor on-call if you are experiencing decreased fetal activity after 28 weeks. You can go to the hospital where you will deliver for evaluation. However, if you have questions, please call the doctor on call for our practice by calling 843 662-2299 and discuss this either with the nurse on call in the office or with the answering service.
Remember, motion matters.
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