Gestational diabetes: Using fetal movement counts to monitor your baby's health

Is my baby healthy? It's a question on the mind of every pregnant woman. Your gestational diabetes may add concern about your baby's health.

Fetal movement counts

There is a simple way to monitor your baby's health at home or anywhere, called a fetal movement count. Every baby has normal sleep and awake times, so your baby will have periods of both quiet and active time. A movement may be a kick, stretch, turn or flip.

By keeping track of your baby's movements for each day during the third trimester, you will get to know your baby's activity pattern. This can help alert you if your baby is not feeling well.

• A total of 10 or more distinct movements in 2 hours suggests that your baby is doing well.
• If your baby is moving less than usual, this may be a sign that he or she is under some stress or that a problem may be developing.
• If you are worried and do not have at least five movements in 1 hours, call your health care provider.

Your baby won't slow down and become less active before birth. The movements may change -- as your baby grows, there is less room to maneuver -- but the frequency of movement should not decrease.

When to count

Once a day, during the third trimester of your pregnancy, record your baby's activity. Choose the time of day your baby is the most active, and begin timing fetal movements at about the same time every day.

If you smoke and have not been able to quit during your pregnancy, try not to smoke for at least 1 hour before you start counting. (Your baby gets less oxygen and food because nicotine from cigarettes tightens up your blood vessels.)

How to count

Your baby might be quite active while you are at work, but that may not be a very relaxing, easy place for you to count movements. Try resting in bed at home and counting kicks and movements there.

• Choose a quiet place where you can focus on your baby's movements without being distracted.
• Lie down on your side or sit in a comfortable chair.
• Write down the time you start counting the movements. Put a check for each time your baby kicks, twists or turns until you feel 10 movements. Our baby's activity record worksheet (requires Adobe Reader) can help.
• Do not count longer than 2 hours.

When to call your health care provider

Call your health care provider if:

• you notice a significant change in your baby's activity (such as fewer than half the number of movements you normally feel)
• your baby has not moved 10 times in 2 hours
• your have questions or concerns

Related Links

Baby's activity record (fetal movement count) worksheet

Tests to monitor your baby's well-being

Risk of your baby getting diabetes

Allina Pregnancy Care

First published: 11/27/2006
Last updated: 11/27/2006

Reviewed by: Allina Patient Education experts