Counting fetal movements
There are various methods for counting fetal movements and not all are interpreted in the same way. In any case, if you notice a decrease in the “usual activity of the child” it is advisable to go to the hospital the same day without waiting for the next day. For any doubts, it is also advisable to contact your doctor or midwife who will check the state of health of the child with the appropriate instruments.
Those who have already had a baby generally tend to feel the movements earlier, the same thing as those who are thinner. The position that makes it easier to feel the first movements is sitting or lying down.
How often should the movements be felt?
Initially, around 18-20 weeks of pregnancy, movements may be felt sporadically. Maybe you feel a lot of movement in one day and none for a couple more… but that doesn’t mean it’s still. He continues to kick regularly but usually in the beginning many of his movements are not yet strong enough to be felt. It is during the late second trimester that the kicks will become more forceful and regular.
Avoid making too many comparisons with other expectant mothers because every experience is different. Each child has his own rhythm of activity and it is this precise rhythm that must be referred to. It is when there is a decrease in the child’s usual activity level that you need to start worrying.
Fetal movement studies agree that baby movements are unique to each baby and do NOT change at term. They DO NOT decrease, DO NOT weaken, DO NOT increase.
International scholars ask mothers to consult an obstetrician and gynecologist if they notice any variations from the norm .
Trained midwives and doctors are able to appropriately welcome the woman who notices a change in the baby’s movements, and assess the state of well-being appropriately
Many for reasons of practicality and the desire to appease constant anxieties and fears, given that an ultrasound cannot be done every day, buy a fetal heartbeat detector to check that the baby is fine
Another way is to keep track of the movements. Especially in the third trimester it is strongly recommended to dedicate some time a day to listening and counting the baby’s movements.
There are several techniques, from the simplest to the most detailed.
Below I explain one of the methods used and I attach a simple diagram to print to keep the count day after day:
This method recommends choosing that time of day when the child is most active, usually after lunch and dinner. Counting while sleeping might make you panic!
Do the counting at about the same time every day. Get into a comfortable position, for example lie down on both your right and left side. In this way the weight of the uterus does not affect the large blood vessels, vessels which are responsible for transporting oxygen to the uterus and therefore also to your baby.
Note the date and start of the time you listen. And every time you hear movement put an x. After an hour count x or i signs you made, and if the baby moved 8-10 times you can stop counting.
If the baby has been moving less then listen to the movements for the next hour as well and if there are still less than 8-10 movements it is best to consult your doctor.
There are many other methods besides this one for counting fetal movements and not all are interpreted in the same way.
In any case , if you notice a decrease in the “usual activity of the child” it is advisable to go to the hospital the same day without waiting for the next day.
For any doubts, it is also advisable to contact your doctor or midwife who will check the state of health of the child with the appropriate instruments.
Kathryn Barlow is an OB/GYN doctor, which is the medical specialty that deals with the care of women's reproductive health, including pregnancy and childbirth.
Obstetricians provide care to women during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, while gynecologists focus on the health of the female reproductive system, including the ovaries, uterus, vagina, and breasts. OB/GYN doctors are trained to provide medical and surgical care for a wide range of conditions related to women's reproductive health.