Fetal movement counts

During the beginning of your third trimester you may feel like you're carrying an athlete. You feel plenty of kicks, squirms, flips, hiccups and other movements in between the quiet periods.

By the final month, your baby has grown larger and has nearly run out of room to move. You may think your baby is not moving as much.

By keeping track of your baby's movements for each day you will get to know your baby's activity pattern. This can help alert you if your baby is not feeling well. Use the baby's activity record (fetal movement count) worksheet (requires Adobe Reader) to record your baby's movements.

Fetal movement counts

Every baby has normal sleep and awake times, so your baby will have periods of both quiet and active time. A movement may be a kick, stretch, turn or flip.

A total of 10 or more distinct movements in 2 hours suggests your baby is doing well.

If your baby is moving less than usual, this may be a sign that he or she is under some stress or that a problem may be developing. If you are worried and do not have at least five movements in 1 hour, call your health care provider.

When to count

Once a day during the third trimester of your pregnancy, record your baby's activity. Choose the time of day your baby is the most active, and begin timing fetal movements at about the same time every day.

If you smoke and have not been able to quit during your pregnancy, try not to smoke for at least 1 hour before you start counting. (Your baby gets less oxygen and food because nicotine from cigarettes tightens up your blood vessels.)

How to count

• Choose a quiet place where you can focus on your baby's movements without being distracted.
• Lie down on your side or sit in a comfortable chair.
• Write down the time you start counting the movements. Put a check for each time your baby kicks, twists or turns until you feel 10 movements. Do not count longer than 2 hours.
• When you count the 10th movement, write down the time and stop counting. Figure out how long it took to record the 10 movements. Often, the 10 movements occur in fewer than 30 minutes.

When to call your health care provider

Call your health care provider if:

• you notice a significant change in your baby's activity (such as fewer than half the number of movements you normally feel)
• your baby has not moved 10 times in 2 hours
• you have questions or concerns

Related Links

Baby's activity record (fetal movement count) worksheet (requires Adobe Reader)

What's happening to your baby

Signs to call your health care provider

Third trimester

First published: 10/04/2002
Last updated: 09/01/2005

Reviewed by: Allina Patient Education experts