Fetal movement counting is a way to check the health of a developing baby (fetus). It's often called kick counting. It's done by counting the number of kicks you feel from your baby in the uterus in a certain time period.

By 20-week gestation, you will likely be able to feel your baby's movements. Movements vary in strength and how often they occur. There are different patterns of movement. They depend on the baby's age. Most babies tend to be more active in the evening hours. This can start as early as the second trimester. Your baby may be more active about an hour after you eat. This is because of the increase in sugar (glucose) in your blood. Fetal movement normally increases during the day, with peak activity late at night.

Fetal movement is one show of a baby's health during pregnancy. You can learn the normal pattern and number of movements for your baby. A change in the normal pattern or number of fetal movements may mean a baby is under stress. And keep in mind that it's not normal for a baby to stop moving with the start of labor.

There are no risks to you or your baby during fetal movement counting. It can instead help to pick up on decreased fetal movement and help prevent problems for your baby.

Talk with your doctor about when to do the counting. Set aside the same time each day to count movements. Babies have sleep cycles, so fetal kick counts may be done at any time of day. After a meal is often a good time.

There are several ways to do kick counts. And there are several guidelines for how many kicks are normal in a certain time. For example, write down the number of times you feel the baby kick or move in 1 hour. After several days, you may find the baby usually moves about the same number of times per hour. This becomes your baseline number.

Do the counting as often as your doctor advises.

Contact your doctor right away if any of these occur:

• Your baby is not moving as much as usual.
• It takes longer for your baby to move in the usual length of time.
• Your baby has stopped moving.

Other testing can be done to check the health of your baby. Your doctor will tell you more.

Before you agree to the test or procedure make sure you know:

• The name of the test or procedure.
• The reason you are having the test or procedure.
• What results to expect and what they mean.
• The risks and benefits of the test or procedure.
• What the possible side effects or complications are.
• When and where you are to have the test or procedure.
• Who will do the test or procedure and what that person's qualifications are.
• What would happen if you did not have the test or procedure.
• Any alternative tests or procedures to think about.
• When and how you will get the results.
• Who to call after the test or procedure if you have questions or problems.
• How much you will have to pay for the test or procedure.