Counting fetal movements is an inexpensive and useful test of fetal well-being.  Such testing may be used, beginning at 30-32 weeks, when:

 

1.               Patient perceives a decrease in fetal movement.

2.               There is a history of intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD)

3.               There is suspected intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR)

4.               Other High Risk conditions exist

5.               Patient is anxious

 

 

Various protocols may be used.  None is considered to be "standard". 

 

Prepared in conjunction with the

Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Duke University Medical Center

                                                                                                                             Director

                                                            Director

 

                                                                                                                   Date

                                                                       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.       Neldam S. Fetal movements as an indicator of fetal well-being.  Danish Med Bull. 1983; 30:274-278.

 

2.       Grant AM, Elbourne DR, Valentin L, Alexander S.  Routine formal fetal movement counting and risk of antepartum late death in normally formed singletons.  Lancet.  1988; 2:345-59.  

 

3.       Lobb MO, Beazley JM, Haddad NG.  A controlled study of daily fetal movement counts in the prevention of stillbirths.  J Obstet Gynaecol.  1985; 6:87-91.