Fetal Movement Count

Fetal Movement Counting is a method to check the well being of an unborn baby (fetus). The test is often called ‘kick counting’ and is done by counting the number of kicks a woman feels from the baby in the uterus in a given time period. 

WHY IS THERE ANY NEED FOR FETAL MOVEMENT COUNT?

Fetal movement depicts baby’s health in the womb. Any changes in the normal pattern or number of fetal movements might mean the baby under stress.It is abnormal for a baby to stop moving with the onset of labor.

HOW TO GET READY FOR FETAL MOVEMENT COUNT?

Women must set aside a similar time every day to monitor & count the fetal movements. Mostly,after a meal is a good time to do so.The doctor may instruct on when to start the counting and the no. of times it should be done during pregnancy. 

WHAT HAPPENS DURING FETAL MOVEMENT COUNT?

• women selects and freezes the time of day when the baby is most active
• it is ideal to eat or drink something before as the food makes a baby more active
• it could still be better if the mother moves around a bit too before the test
• advisable not to smoke as smoking makes the baby less active
• jot down the number of times the baby kicks or moves in an hour 
• rest comfortably on either of the left or right side
• keep track of time while recording the movements- kicks, rolls,major or minor

After the test 

Call the Doctor right away if:

• the count is less than 10 movements in two hours
• the baby is not moving much as usual
• is taking longer to move than usual 
• has stopped moving altogether

Important Information 

Other tests can be clubbed to monitor the baby’s health. The doctor may advise accordingly

As such, there are no risks to the mother or unborn baby while fetal movement counting. On the contrary, it can help to pick up on decreased fetal movement and aids preventing further problems for on the way baby.