Podcast
Questions and Answers
What physiological principle underlies the practice of fetal movement counting?
What physiological principle underlies the practice of fetal movement counting?
- Fetal movements tend to decrease when the fetus experiences metabolic acidosis. (correct)
- Maternal activity levels directly stimulate fetal movement.
- Maternal perception of fetal movement increases with gestational age.
- Increased fetal movement correlates with maternal hydration levels.
What is a key advantage of using fetal movement counting as a method of monitoring fetal health?
What is a key advantage of using fetal movement counting as a method of monitoring fetal health?
- It precisely quantifies the exact oxygen saturation levels in the fetus.
- It can be easily performed by the mother at any time and place. (correct)
- It accurately predicts the future intellectual development of the child.
- It provides definitive results, eliminating the need for further testing.
Why might a decreased fetal movement count NOT necessarily indicate a threatened fetal health status?
Why might a decreased fetal movement count NOT necessarily indicate a threatened fetal health status?
- Many factors can influence fetal movement, leading to false positives. (correct)
- The mother's perception of fetal movement is always consistent.
- Fetal movement counting is only accurate in the morning hours.
- All fetuses naturally experience periods of decreased activity.
What additional tests might be considered if decreased fetal movement is noted?
What additional tests might be considered if decreased fetal movement is noted?
What is a potential drawback of fetal movement counting despite its benefits?
What is a potential drawback of fetal movement counting despite its benefits?
In high-risk pregnancies, reduced fetal movements have been associated with which adverse outcomes?
In high-risk pregnancies, reduced fetal movements have been associated with which adverse outcomes?
Why is it recommended that pregnant women begin counting fetal movements around the 24th week of gestation rather than earlier?
Why is it recommended that pregnant women begin counting fetal movements around the 24th week of gestation rather than earlier?
What guidance is given regarding the timing and frequency of fetal movement counting?
What guidance is given regarding the timing and frequency of fetal movement counting?
What is the recommended maternal position for effectively counting fetal movements?
What is the recommended maternal position for effectively counting fetal movements?
During fetal movement counting, what is the recommended action if fewer than four movements are felt within one hour?
During fetal movement counting, what is the recommended action if fewer than four movements are felt within one hour?
What is the primary advantage of kick counts in both low and high-risk pregnancies?
What is the primary advantage of kick counts in both low and high-risk pregnancies?
What is the theoretical basis for when a pregnant woman first perceives fetal movements?
What is the theoretical basis for when a pregnant woman first perceives fetal movements?
What factor can affect kick count?
What factor can affect kick count?
If a pregnant woman is busy, how often should they count in a day?
If a pregnant woman is busy, how often should they count in a day?
After eating, what positions should the pregnant woman lie in?
After eating, what positions should the pregnant woman lie in?
After lying down to begin kick counts, if the fetus moves more than 4 times, what do you do?
After lying down to begin kick counts, if the fetus moves more than 4 times, what do you do?
Which of the following are additional methods for testing?
Which of the following are additional methods for testing?
What kind of movements can the mother feel as vibrations?
What kind of movements can the mother feel as vibrations?
When is the time for counting fetal movement?
When is the time for counting fetal movement?
What is the normal range of movements fluctuating at?
What is the normal range of movements fluctuating at?
Flashcards
Kick Count
Kick Count
Monitoring fetal health by tracking fetal movements, based on the principle that movements decrease with metabolic acidosis. Reduces fetal mortality.
Advantages of Kick Count
Advantages of Kick Count
A method of monitoring fetal health that can be done anywhere, at any time, allowing the mother to continuously monitor her child's health directly, providing reassurance.
Limitations of Kick Count
Limitations of Kick Count
While many factors affect fetal movement, a decrease doesn't always indicate a problem but requires additional tests like ultrasound or non-stress tests.
When Can You Feel Fetal Movements?
When Can You Feel Fetal Movements?
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When to Start Counting Kicks
When to Start Counting Kicks
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Normal Fetal Movement
Normal Fetal Movement
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Kick Count Timing
Kick Count Timing
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How to Count Kicks
How to Count Kicks
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Interpreting Kick Counts
Interpreting Kick Counts
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Study Notes
Fetal Health Assessment: Counting Fetal Movements (Kick Count)
- Counting fetal movements benefits both low and high-risk pregnancies.
- The principle behind kick counts is that fetal movements decrease when the fetus has metabolic acidosis.
- Fetal movement monitoring reduces fetal mortality in both high-risk and low-risk pregnancies.
Advantages of Kick Counting
- Kick counting is an easy method of monitoring fetal health that can be done anywhere, at any time.
- The mother can continuously and directly monitor her child's health.
- Counting fetal movements helps pregnant women feel secure as they are aware of their child's health.
- It is recommended that women receive instructions on how to count fetal movements.
Considerations for Reduced Fetal Movement
- Reduced fetal movement does not necessarily mean the fetus's health is threatened due to many influencing factors (high false positive rate).
- In cases of reduced fetal movement, additional tests such as fetal ultrasound, non-stress tests, and BPP (biophysical profile) are required.
- Kick counts may increase unnecessary prenatal examinations, but the benefits outweigh the economic impact and risk to the fetus.
- Despite many factors affecting kick count (gestational age, amniotic fluid and mother's concentration), it is still an accepted method of monitoring fetal health and is recommended for pregnant women.
- Reduced fetal movements in high-risk pregnancies is associated with adverse outcomes like intrauterine death and fetal distress.
Timing and Technique
- Theoretically, pregnant women can feel fetal movements from 16-18 weeks in multiparous pregnancies or 18–20 weeks in nulliparous pregnancies.
- It is recommended that pregnant women start counting fetal movements from the 24th week.
- Identifying fetal abnormalities early to save the fetus is the purpose of counting fetal movements,
- Saving the life of an extremely premature fetus can be difficult, and it is difficult for the pregnant woman to count fetal movements accurately when the fetus is premature.
- Methods of counting fetal movements and values vary to evaluate whether movements are normal or abnormal (Most fluctuate in the range of 4-6 movements per hour).
Guidance for Counting Fetal Movements
- Start counting when the pregnancy is at least 24 weeks.
- It is usually done 3-4 times daily: morning, noon, afternoon, and before bed and can be done once in the evening if preferred.
- Kick counting is typically done after meals, though some studies indicate meals do not affect fetal movements.
- To count, lie on your back with your head elevated or tilted to the left (to avoid supine hypotension syndrome); place your hand on your abdomen.
- Fetal position can be indicated by the circular movements or kicks that are felt
- Count fetal movements for one hour.
Actions Based on Kick Count Results
- If the fetus moves more than 4 times in an hour, stop counting.
- If the fetus moves less than 4 times, count for another hour.
- If movement is still less than 4 times after the second count, seek further examination at a medical facility.
- Further testing may include a non-stress test, Doppler, or ultrasound.
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