FETAL KICK CHART/COUNT The doctor usually recommends that a woman learns how to perform fetal kick counts in a HIGH RISK PREGNANCY ONLY. A fetal kick count is performed to keep track of the baby's movements within the womb. Keeping track of the baby's movements helps the mother discern between normal movements of the baby and movements that may signal cause for concern. A 'kick chart' is a printed or written on a piece of paper with spaces to record the daily movements of your baby, usually after about 28 weeks of the pregnancy. COUNT TO TEN MOVEMENT This method is commonly used to keep a FM CHART. This uses an 8 to 12 hour period to record at least 10 of your baby's movements. The time period you choose will depend on when you think your baby is most active, for example in the evenings. If your baby has at least 10 movements within this 12 hour period they are thought to be well. If your baby has not moved in 12 hours or you are concerned, you should contact your doctor. When charting, start your timing at around the same time each day. The first time you feel your baby move, record the time and write it down on your graph. Try to count every movement or kick until your baby has moved ten times. When you feel your tenth movement, write down the time, and stop counting. You may find that there are particular times of day when your baby is most active. Many women notice their baby move the most when they're in bed at night. This is perfectly normal, so just try to relax as best you can. If the baby's moving too much for you to sleep, you could get up and move around for a few minutes to encourage her/him to settle. In the third trimester, you may notice that your baby's movements become more regular as she/he develops a pattern of sleeping and waking. Your baby will also have less room to move around towards the end of your pregnancy. You may find that the number of movements you feel stays the same from around 32 WEEKS but they should still be regular right up until you go into labour. If she/he becomes more active at this stage though, this isn't usually a cause for concern. To be continued........