What You Need to Know About Fetal Movement Monitoring

Each year, about 21,000 babies in the U.S. are stillborn – dying in the womb or during birth after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

According to PUSH for Empowered Pregnancy (PUSH), at least a quarter of these stillbirths may be avoidable if families and clinicians better understand the tools to prevent infant loss. Kick counting is a preventative measure that is easy, free and worthwhile.

What are kick counts?

Kick counting is a form of fetal movement monitoring which helps you notice any unusual changes in your baby’s activity. To begin, kick your feet up and pay attention to any kicks, flutters, swishes or rolls. Track how long it takes to feel 10 movements.

Since every baby is different, getting to know your baby’s unique patterns and rhythms will take some time.

Scheduled, daily fetal kick counts are a good idea. In addition, Samantha Banerjee, executive director at PUSH, says that varying when you monitor movements will familiarize you with your baby’s active and less active hours. “Know your normal,” said Banerjee. “You know your baby and your body best.”

Your baby’s normal should become clear at 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy. Changes in regular activity include fewer movements, weaker movements and an unusual, rapid increase in movements.

Common misconceptions about kick-counting

Kick counting is a valuable tool for all women to prevent stillbirths, not just those experiencing high-risk pregnancies.

Avoid using Doppler devices or other at-home monitors to check on your unborn baby. Instead, pay attention to when baby is moving to identify potential problems without unnecessary ultrasound exposure.

You can continue this practice throughout the third trimester. According to PUSH, babies do not move less towards the end of pregnancy. In fact, you should continue feeling your baby move up until, and even during, labour.

Should you notice a difference in baby's movements or something seems off, seek medical attention—do not drink juice or cold water or eat something sugary to encourage activity. It might prompt some kicks, but it could also mask a serious issue.

"If you're sitting there drinking juice and counting kicks for two hours, you're just wasting time," said Banerjee. "In many cases of stillbirth, swift action is critical to give time for interventions to happen."

Making movement monitoring comfortable

Find a safe, relaxing position before a kick count session. Try lying on your left side or propping yourself up with pillows.

If tracking the times you feel movement becomes tricky, consider using a kick-counting app. Count the Kicks allows users to record the number of movements and intensity, set reminders and take notes. These features could help you get more in tune with baby and with your body.

Banerjee says recording her baby's movements a few times each day made movements more noticeable and patterns more recognizable.

Why is monitoring movement important?

According to research from City Hospital’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 55 percent of women report decreased fetal movement before a stillbirth. Banerjee says a notable slowdown in movements is also associated with adverse outcomes like fetal growth restriction.

Monitoring movement is a small lifestyle change intended to reduce these risks—similar to avoiding food that could make you sick during pregnancy.

“You don’t leave your first doctor’s appointment without a list of all the food that you shouldn’t be eating,” said Banerjee. “So with stillbirth, and particularly when it comes to fetal movement monitoring, this is one of the most simple, straightforward tools that we have.”

What to do if movements seem irregular

If you experience changes in movement, visit a hospital to get checked out immediately.

“Your doctors are on your team,” said Banerjee. “There is always somebody in the labour and delivery room ready to help.”

PUSH urges expectant mothers to trust their instincts when seeking medical attention. You should not be discharged until you feel reassured that all is well.

"You are the authority on your own pregnancy," said Banerjee. "If you're not being heard, use your mom voice."