Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
UI Maternity Care

Fetal Movement Counts

Healthy babies are active babies!  Babies who move less may be having problems.

What are Fetal Movement Counts (FMCs)?

One of the best ways to determine the health of your baby is to be aware of its movements.  It is important for you to know the amount of movement that is normal for your baby.  A movement may be a kick, stretch, turn, or flip.  A change in the level of activity of your baby may indicate a problem is developing and should be reported to your physician or nurse midwife.  It is felt that a fetal movement count of ten or more in two hours suggests the baby is doing well.

Where are FMCs done?

FMCs can be done anywhere.  There is no specific place for you to do this test.

How often should I do this test?

We encourage you to do FMCs once a day after you reach 27 weeks or approximately seven months of pregnancy.

How do I do FMCs?

1.  Choose the time of day your baby is the most active and begin timing fetal movements at about the same time every day.

2.  Lie down on your side or sit in a comfortable easy chair.  Do not watch TV or carry on a conversation.  Pay attention to the movements of your baby.

3.  The first time you feel your baby move, check the time and write it down on the graph on the back of this paper.  Count every movement or kick until your baby has moved ten times.  When you feel your tenth movement, write down the time.  Bring your graph with you to your clinic visit for your healthcare provider to review.

What should I do if my baby does not move?

Notify your healthcare provider if:

  - your baby has not moved 10 times in two hours;

  - you have not felt the baby move all day (12 hours); or

  - you notice a significant change in your baby’s activity.

Please call the OB/GYN Clinic at 319-356-2294 before 5:00 PM.

After 5:00 PM, call Labor and Delivery at 319-356-2615 and ask to speak with a nurse.  If you have a high risk pregnancy, please alert the nurse.  She will speak with the physician on duty to determine if further testing is necessary.  If you are seeing the nurse midwives for care, they may be reached at 319-356-7038 or 319-356-7002 Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. After 5:00 PM, call the UIHC operator at 319-356-1616 and ask her to page the nurse midwife on call.  You may also call Labor and Delivery at 319-356-2615 and ask to speak to a nurse.

What further testing may be necessary?

Your healthcare provider may ask that a nonstress test be done.  A nonstress test is an additional way to check on your baby’s well-being by use of an electronic fetal monitor.  A specially trained nurse will be observing your baby’s heart rate and movements.  The test itself will take approximately 20 minutes to an hour and must be done in the hospital or clinic.

Fetal Movement Record

Peer Review Status: Internally
Peer Review Date: 2004