Instructions for self-monitoring of the fetus with a doctor - Counting fetal movements every day

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by a Doctor of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Times City International Hospital.
During the 40-week pregnancy until delivery, there are always potential risks for the mother and the fetus. In order to reduce the risk of unexplained fetal death, whether high or low risk, obstetricians around the world recommend that women count fetal movements every day, starting from week 28.
1. Why should mothers count fetal movements every day, from week 28? According to the World Health Organization, in 2009 there were 2.6 million fetal deaths from 28 weeks of gestation (the third trimester of pregnancy) onward, which means 1 stillbirth in 45 live fetuses. Mortality was highest in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa (1 stillbirth in 33 live births). Mortality rates are lowest in Western Europe and North America (1 stillbirth in 250 live births).
Despite the application of the most advanced investigations and evaluation today, 25% of fetal deaths have no identifiable cause. 75% of the causes can be identified, in order of most frequent obstetric complications, placental anomalies, birth defects, infections, umbilical cord abnormalities, high blood pressure disorders and other medical conditions. of the mother. 55% of mothers with an intrauterine stillbirth experienced a decrease in fetal movement before being diagnosed.
To reduce unexplained fetal death in mothers with high or low risk, obstetricians around the world recommend mothers to count fetal movements every day, starting from week 28. Usually, pregnant mothers can feel the fetus move clearly at an average time between 16 weeks for the puerperium, and 22 weeks for the calves. Like "donkey kicks," it's the unborn baby's way of telling the pregnant mother, "I'm fine."

2. Instruct mothers to count fetal movements every day 2.1 Choose a time to count fetal movements Every day, mothers choose the same time, usually after dinner, resting, lying down, and concentrating Count the number of fetal movements (kick, punch, turn, roll) in 1 hour, along with the time it took to get 10 fetal movements, and record in 1 chart. Avoid fetal sleep cycles (maybe 20 to 75 minutes). Night to night is when the fetus is most active.
The number of fetal movements is usually highest at around 28-32 weeks, then decreases a little around the time of delivery. At the time of birth, the average number of fetal movements in 1 hour when the fetus is active is 31.

2.2 Timer method for 10 fetal movements Counting time for 10 fetal movements is the most commonly used method today. The average time it takes to count 10 fetal movements varies widely, ranging from 10 to 21 minutes, according to different research groups. 90% of women count 10 movements within 25 minutes at 28-36 weeks and 35 minutes at 37-40 weeks.
There is no single number used as a reference for Vietnamese mothers, and Vinmec is building that reference range through the practice of mothers visiting and giving birth here. Most importantly: If the number of fetal movements is less than 10 within 2 hours, it is a danger sign and requires medical attention as soon as possible.
Reduced number of fetal movements can be seen in the following cases: Too much or too little amniotic fluid, past due date or intrauterine growth retardation, multiple pregnancy, and maternal conditions such as high blood pressure or high blood pressure. diabetes. In these cases, the doctor will evaluate the fetal status through further investigations such as creating and monitoring the physiological profile of the fetus.

Vinmec Hospital will provide mothers with this chart on the back, and bring this chart with you every visit, which proves that the fetus is not only monitored by doctors, but also by the mother herself. mother. Each fetus has a different tendency to move, so counting the number of fetal movements every day will tell the mother what is the normal value for her fetus.
Any questions about antenatal care milestones as well as necessary tests during pregnancy and childbirth, please come directly to the hospital or book an appointment on the website for service.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.