How to Monitor Fetal Movement

Fetal movement is an extremely important thing to monitor as your baby grows and develops. Fetal movement in the third trimester is a good indicator of the well being of the baby. You should start paying close attention to fetal movement starting at 28 weeks and up until birth. You should feel the baby move throughout the day unless a sleep cycle is occurring, which can last up to 40 minutes. 

One way to monitor fetal movement is to develop general awareness of the baby’s normal awake and sleep cycles. This will help you establish a baseline of when your baby is active and when they are quiet and will allow you to tune in if that baseline changes. Being aware each day of their active times will help you to get to know them better as well.

Another way to check in with the baby is to complete fetal kick counts. When doing your fetal kick counts, you should have something to eat or drink and then sit or lie down. You will feel the baby less when you stand, walk or are busy. Next, put your hands on your belly. Count the number of movements you feel. You should be able to get 10 movements in 2 hours or less. If you get 10 movements before 2 hours, you are done. Your baby is doing well. Note that hiccups do not count as movements. 

Either way of checking in with your baby is valid, the important part is that you check in each day on the baby’s movements. 

For any perceived decreased fetal movement from the baby’s baseline/normal schedule or less than 10 movements in 2 hours after completing fetal kick counts, you should notify your provider immediately. At Diana Health, we are here for you and your baby and can assist if you’re finding it difficult to feel fetal movement.