Do you want to check on your fetus’s activity on a daily basis?

Should you be worried if you can't feel your baby's movements?

The mother’s feeling of fetal movement is an important indicator of the fetus’s health, but there is no need to worry immediately if you feel a decrease in movement for some time, as sometimes the reason is a change in the fetus’s position or sleep stage, especially in the first weeks of regular movement.

However, if you notice a significant decrease in movement or its interruption for a long period, you should consult a doctor immediately, and here the fetal movement monitoring table becomes an important tool for identifying normal patterns and monitoring any changes that require attention.

How many movements should your fetus make per day?

The number of fetal movements per day depends on the stage of pregnancy. Pregnant women usually begin to notice fetal movements between weeks 16 and 25, but they become more apparent as the pregnancy progresses. In general, there is no specific and fixed number of fetal movements that applies to all fetuses.

• In the third trimester of pregnancy, that is, after week 28, the pregnant woman feels about 10 movements within two hours of focusing on fetal movement, especially at times when the fetus is active.
• Fetuses have different activity patterns. The fetus may be more active at certain times, such as at night or after the mother eats sugars.
• Fetal movements are multiple and may include kicks, rotation, pressure, or even light, pulse-like movements.
• If you notice a noticeable decrease in fetal movement or the absence of 10 movements within two hours in the third trimester, it is best to consult a doctor immediately.
• If the movements stop completely or you feel a significant change in the fetus's usual movement pattern, consult a doctor to be sure.
• In the last weeks of pregnancy, 36 to 40, fetal movements may decrease slightly;
• If you are pregnant with twins, you may need more careful follow-up with your specialist doctor.

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What is the schedule for monitoring fetal movement?

The fetal movement monitoring table, sometimes known as kick counting, is a simple method used to monitor your fetus’s activity, especially in the third trimester of pregnancy to ensure its safety, but there is no table that suits everyone;

1. Choose a suitable time:

• Choose a time when the fetus is active, such as after eating or in the evening.
• It is preferable when relaxing, such as lying on your left side or sitting;

2. Duration of monitoring:

• Focus on fetal movement for two hours a day, or at specific times such as morning and evening.
• The goal is to record 10 different movements such as kicks, rotations, pressures, or any noticeable movement during the two hours.

3. Recording movements:

• Use a special notebook to record the time you start monitoring and the number of movements.
• You can use smartphone apps designed to track fetal movement, such as Baby Kicks or Count the Kicks.
• Record when the first movement starts and when it reaches the tenth movement. If it takes less than two hours, this is a good indicator.

Let us give you a practical example of a daily fetal movement monitoring schedule:

If you feel difficulty and have many questions, please consult our medical team at the Women’s Health Center at Al Mousa Specialist Hospital, where we care about everything that concerns the health of women and the fetus, and we have great experience in following the latest technologies that help you set a schedule for monitoring fetal movement and adhere to it daily, while providing the necessary medical care in the event of any potential risks.

Book your consultation now at مركز صحة المرأة At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital.

When should you see a doctor to monitor fetal movement?

You should consult a doctor to monitor fetal movement in the following cases, especially during the third trimester of pregnancy, as monitoring fetal movement is an important indicator of its health:

• If you are tracking the fetal movement and do not feel this number of 10 movements, you can drink a sugary drink or change your position and try again. If you still do not feel enough movements, see a doctor immediately.
• If you notice less movement of the fetus than usual, especially if it was very active and then became less mobile, you must consult a doctor even if you feel some movements.
• If fetal movements stop completely for several hours, do not wait and see a doctor, or go to the Women’s Health Center at Al Mousa Specialist Hospital immediately.
• If the movements become sudden or unusually violent, or if you feel strange movements such as spasms or irregular movements, consult a doctor to ensure the safety of the fetus.
• If you suffer from conditions such as high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, or delayed fetal growth, your doctor may ask you to monitor your movements more carefully, and you should review him as soon as you notice any change.
• If you're early in your pregnancy before week 28 and are concerned about not feeling movement, especially if you felt it before and then it stopped, see your doctor for an evaluation.

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Frequently asked questions about the fetal movement monitoring schedule

When do I start counting fetal movements?

It is usually recommended to start from the 28th week of pregnancy;

How many times does the fetus move per day?

The normal fetus moves several times during the day, but the focus is on recording 10 or more movements within two hours of the daily activity period. Each fetus has a specific pattern, so what is important is regularity more than the absolute number.

Is it normal for the fetus not to move for a whole day?

Stopping movement for a long period, such as an entire day, is not normal and requires immediate medical attention. Sometimes the reason is the fetus falling asleep or changing its position, but any complete absence of movement requires a quick medical evaluation.

Do not delay in monitoring the health of your fetus by using the fetal movement monitoring table, as it is your best method.

Medical references:

Kick Counts – my.clevelandclinic

Count the Kicks – healthybirthday