Research published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology demonstrates the effectiveness of Count the Kicks as a method for stillbirth prevention. “Information about fetal movements and stillbirth trends: analysis of time series data,” was led by Dr. Alexander Heazell, a prominent stillbirth researcher at the University of Manchester in England.
In this video, Dr. Heazell discusses the research in his own words.
Count The Kicks was created based on public health research in Norway that demonstrated a 30% reduction in stillbirth by teaching pregnant women how to monitor fetal movement during the third trimester of pregnancy.
Count the Kicks can help improve birth outcomes for moms and babies. Read more about the evidence behind our program.
Research shows that women who experience stillbirth have significantly higher risks of severe maternal morbidity and mortality compared to women who experience live births.
“The Link Between Stillbirth and Maternal Mortality and Morbidity: Firsthand Accounts from American Women” includes first-hand accounts from eight women who shared how speaking up about a change in their baby’s movement not only helped their baby to have a safe arrival, but also identified and addressed pregnancy complications that put their own life at risk.
“Tracking fetal movement is a non-invasive way for expectant parents to monitor their baby’s health in the third trimester of pregnancy. As we saw in our Norway research and with Count the Kicks in Iowa, babies can be saved when expectant parents are educated on getting to know their baby’s normal movement pattern starting at 28 weeks and to speak up if they notice a change. Babies have literally been saved with this proven method.”
-Dr. Ruth Fretts, Harvard Medical School, Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics & GynecologyYears of research combined with expert analysis proves the importance of kick counting in reducing preventable stillbirths.
Count the Kicks and healthcare providers use the latest information from researchers to improve the care of expectant mothers. Find additional research about fetal movement and stillbirth prevention below.
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not meant for diagnosis or treatment. Use of this information should be done in accordance with your healthcare provider.
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Count the Kicks® is a program of Healthy Birth Day, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the prevention of stillbirth through education, advocacy and research.
