Fetal kick chart

Download: Fetal Kick Chart (Excel|PDF)

Using a fetal kick chart to record your baby's movements

A fetal kick chart is a good way to determine the well being and health of your baby. It is especially useful if you are overdue. Your doctor will appreciate a record of your fetal movements since only you can tell if your baby is moving and if the pattern is normal.

Most women feel about 90% of their baby's kicks, although in some cases only about 60% will be felt. In most cases this depends on whether your baby is kicking forward to your ribs, or back towards your spine. Like all of us, your baby will be more active on some days than on others. Your baby has probably been moving for several weeks but it is only after week twenty eight that those kicks will be strong enough for you to feel and they will become more consistent.

There are several ways of counting fetal movements. Your prenatal caregivers may provide you with a kick chart to use, or you may decide to make your own using squared paper. We have provided a easy to use 'count to ten' kick chart which you can also download.

Start recording the number of movements you feel your baby make each day from 9.00am on until you have counted ten kicks. After the tenth kick, mark the time on the chart. You don't have to record any more kicks that day, simply start at 9.00am the next morning. If by 9.00pm the number of kicks you have felt is less than ten, record the total number in the bottom half of the chart.

After you have been recording your baby's movements for a while you will begin to notice a pattern of movement. As term approaches your doctor will ask you to report any significant changes in your baby's movements. You will want to contact your doctor immediately if you notice less than ten movements on two consecutive days. Tell your doctor if you don't feel any movements during a day. While this is not a cause for panic, your doctor will want to check your baby's condition using ultrasound and electronic fetal monitoring to determine whether intervention may be necessary.

Download your free Fetal Kick Chart

BabyPartner Fetal Kick Chart (Excel|PDF)

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