Fetal movement counting is the easiest and most economical way to monitor the condition of the fetus in the womb. Although it is simple to say, once you go to practice it, you will find that counting fetal movements is not so simple and there is still a lot of confusion. Why do we need to count fetal movements? Fetal movement decreases when the fetus is suffering from intrauterine oxygen deficiency. Counting fetal movement can help to identify the fetus that may be suffering from intrauterine oxygen deficiency and confirm the presence of intrauterine oxygen deficiency through further investigations, which may include electronic fetal heart rate (EFHR) monitoring and biophysical scoring by ultrasound. When should I start counting fetal movements? Generally, after 24 weeks the fetus will show more obvious fetal movements with some regularity. Most of the foreign literature recommends starting to count fetal movements at 26-32 weeks, but we do not recommend counting fetal movements too early. The start of fetal movement counting depends on the gestational week in which the fetus can be guaranteed to survive after birth, and due to the limitations of domestic preterm infants, it is generally recommended to start counting fetal movement after 30-32 weeks. Basic data and facts related to counting fetal movement Most pregnant women can feel fetal movement, but about less than 10% of pregnant women do not feel significant fetal movement, mainly because of obesity or the amplitude of fetal movement is relatively small and not easy to detect. Fetal movements generally increase at night compared to daytime, which is why most programs recommend counting fetal movements at night. However, some pregnant women do not always have active fetal movements at night or do not have a clear pattern, so there is no need to be rigid about counting fetal movements at night. Fetal movements will be more obvious when you lie down, but do not lie down flat, but adopt a semi-recumbent reclined position. How to count fetal movement? Research shows that the sleep cycle of a normal healthy fetus is usually 20-40 minutes, and usually not longer than 90 minutes. According to this physiological phenomenon, different experts have designed a lot of plans to count fetal movement, and the standard that is recommended by many is that the fetal movement should not be less than 6 times in 2 hours. Once it falls below 6 movements, further investigations are needed, including electronic fetal heart rate monitoring or ultrasound biophysical scoring. If the fetal movements are more frequent and have reached or exceeded the standard of 6 in less than 2 hours, there is no need to continue counting. Typically, the percentage of additional visits for decreased fetal movement is about 2-3%. With further electronic fetal heart rate monitoring or ultrasound biophysical scoring, the vast majority of pregnant women with decreased fetal movement will receive a reassuring result, and for these women, it is safe to go home and continue counting fetal movements. Does every pregnant woman need to count fetal movements? For pregnant women with high risk factors for intrauterine hypoxia, daily counting is recommended. For healthy and normal pregnant women, if the daily fetal movement is obvious and frequent, there is no need to count the fetal movement every day, but if you feel a decrease in fetal movement in the late stage of pregnancy, you need to seriously count the fetal movement every day. How long does it take for the fetus to stop and move again before another movement can be counted? Some fetuses take longer to move, but no matter how long it takes, it can only be counted as one movement. As for how long it takes for the fetus to stop and move again, there is no standardized criteria, but it is generally believed that the fetus should stop for at least a few minutes before it can be counted as another movement. In fact, there is no need to be so serious and entangled, counting fetal movement is not 1 + 1 = 2 math, the main point is the general trend. Fetal hiccups” is considered fetal movement? Many pregnant women describe to me in detail how their fetus “hiccups” and ask me if it’s important and if it’s considered fetal movement. Fetal “hiccups” is a term invented by pregnant women themselves, and it’s common on mother and baby forums, but it’s not the language of doctors. Yes, “hiccups” are fetal movements, but continuous regular “hiccups” can only be counted as one, and stopping for a few minutes and then moving or “hiccuping” again can only be counted as another! Fetal movement.