Kick Counts

[Vance2335]

My wife is in her 30th week now and 2 weeks ago at her ultrasound they found that her amniotic fluid was lower then it should be so they scheduled her for another ultrasound this week but also asked her to do kick counts. She has been keeping track in the morning like they told her to, but also trying to keep track during the day also.

Do you think by doing the kick counts throughout the day is excessive? From what the Dr said he said do it once a day and from what I have readit says do it once a day. But like I said she does it throughout the day and when she tells me she has not felt anything or the baby seems less active it worries me.

[Vance2335]

Thank you.
I figured that if it was a major concern at this time they would have done more. There was still fluid, it was just lower then what they like at this time in her pregancy.

[JoyRenee]

Hmmm... I really don't know! If the doctor said once was fine, then that's fine. I think if they were more concerned with your wife's levels they'd have her hooked up to monitors at the hospital. Hopefully drinking a ton more water will help.

It can't hurt her to do them throughout the day if it comforts her. Most pregnant women just notice movements anyway. They just don't write it all down all the time. Good luck to you both!

[Vance2335]

The Dr told her to increase her water intake and she has done so. With the ultrasound on Wednesday we will know how that has worked.

I understand about babies in distress and everything of that nature. And I understand the kick counts. She has done them in the morning and gets 10 kicks in the first hour for the most part.
But I have never read that doing the kick counts throughout the day is necessary. So that was my real question...is it necessary to do kick counts throughout the day or is once a day good enough?

[JoyRenee]

Because she is at risk for going into pre-term labor or other complications with the low fluid. It's important! Sometimes babies get in distress, don't get enough oxygen, and some even die. I'm sorry to say that but you need to know. So it is very important for her to count the kicks. It will reassure you both that baby is healthy and thriving.

Are they doing anything else to increase the fluid?

Babies are active and inactive at certain times of the day. She should always drink or eat something before counting kicks, and she should lie down. If she stands or walks while trying to count, baby may be lulled to sleep by her swaying movements thus less movements.