FETAL MOVEMENT (KICK COUNTS)

Healthy babies are active babies. Just like a 2 year old, when healthy, is running all around the house, never sitting down. When not healthy a child tends to lie on the couch and be still. The same is true for your baby during the pregnancy. When healthy he or she will be active (this is true until the day the baby is born), when not healthy he or she will be very quiet conserving energy. During the last 14 weeks of your pregnancy it is important to be aware of the baby’s movement. At times, if you are busy, you may not be aware of the baby’s activity. Therefore, if you have not noticed the baby moving much lie down and do KICK (movement) COUNTS for 1 hour. You should get at least 10 movements during that time. If not, please call Dr. Naples.

NONSTRESS TEST (NST)

This is a test that may be performed during the last trimester if there is a concern about the baby’s overall well being. This simply entails watching the baby’s heart tracing on a fetal monitor for approximately 30 minutes. This is done if there are complications such as gestational diabetes or high blood pressure.

BIOPHYSICAL PROFILE

This is an ultrasound assessment of the baby’s well being; this test may be combined with the NST. This test measures the amniotic fluid volume and assesses the baby’s movement and breathing activity. This test is also performed on a weekly or twice weekly basis when certain complications are present.

 

LINK:   Special Tests for Monitoring Baby’s Health - ACOG

 

 

 

 

 

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