Antepartum, MaternalAnd Newborn –Antepartum: Method for Performing
Fetal Kick CountsSECTION: 19.07
Strength of Evidence Level: 3__RN__LPN/LVN__HHA
PURPOSE:
To teach a method of self-monitoring fetal well being by counting fetal kicks.
CONSIDERATIONS:
1.Expectant women generally begin to feel movement sometime between the sixteenth and twentieth weeks of pregnancy. Multiparas usually report movement earlier in their pregnancy.
2.Use of fetal kick counts typically begins between the 28 to 30weeks of pregnancy.
3.Fetal kick counts are an important way an expectant mother can assist healthcare providers to determine if the baby is healthy.
4.Parameters should be set by physician as to what the “low” number of fetal kicks is and when to call the physician. If the number of fetal kicks is too low, other diagnostic tests may need to be initiated.
5.There is more than one method of doing fetal kick counts. The following instructions are based on the Sadovsky Method.
PROCEDURE:
1.Instruct the expectant mother in the following steps:
a.Count the fetal movements 3times each day - for 1hour after breakfast, for 1hour after lunch, and for 1hour after dinner.
b.Lie down on her left side, if possible, and concentrate on the baby's movements. If she cannot lie down, she can sit quietly with feet and legs propped up or supported.
c.Count each time the baby moves, including "kicks" or "rolling" or "turning" type of movements. If the baby has hiccoughs, stop counting until they stop – then start over.
d.Record an "X" on the line for each movement she felt, on the kick count sheet.
e.After counting and recording 4baby movements stop counting for that 1 hour time period. (If physician has set different parameters use that number for setting guidelines.)
f.If less than four movements in 1hour are felt, continue counting for 1more hour. If, at the end of the 2ndhour, the movements are still less than four, call the doctor.
2.Ask expectant mother to explain the procedure and answer any questions she has regarding it.
3.Stress the importance of compliance with the fetal kick counts, taking the record with her to her prenatal appointments, and notifying her physician as directed.
AFTER CARE:
- Document in patient's record:
a.Instructions given to patient.
b.Patient’s ability to return explanation of procedure.