Obstetrics - Tests of fetal well-being

 

Fetal kick count

Fetal movement counting is a test that you can do at home to help check on your baby's health. Sometimes it is called kick counts. Fetal kick count provides a record of how often you feel your baby move. A healthy baby tends to move the same amount each day. You may be asked to keep track of this movement in the latter part of pregnancy and to contact your provider if the baby is not active. If you have been asked to note your baby's kick counts, your doctor or midwife will tell you how often to do it and when to call him or her. One method is to write down how long it takes the fetus to make 10 movements each day. To do this, choose a time when the fetus usually is active. Often, a good time is after a meal. Each baby has its own level of activity, and most have a sleep cycle of 20–40 minutes. Alert your doctor or midwife if there is a change from the normal pattern or number of movements.