Evidence
    Home / Why We Count / Evidence

The Evidence Behind Count the Kicks

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 by doing kick counts on a daily basis. 

Years of industry research combined with expert analysis proves the importance of kick counting in reducing preventable stillbirths. Click below for more evidence.  

  • Prediction and Prevention of Recurrent Stillbirth. Obstet Gynecol, 2007 [Read more]
  • Ending Preventable Stillbirths Series 2016. The Lancet [Read more]
  • Management of Decreased Fetal Movements. Semin Perinatol, 2008 [Read more]
  • Stillbirth: Common Causes and Prevention, 2007 [Read more]

National Stillbirth Summit Poster Presentation

Using Technology to Monitor Baby, the Use of mHealth to Improve Fetal Outcomes

Dr. Lyndi Buckingham-Schutt, Associate Director of Wellness and Nutrition Policy at The Harkin Institute, presented on “Using Technology to Monitor Baby, the Use of mHealth to Improve Fetal Outcomes” during the 2021 National Stillbirth Summit. The poster presentation is based on results of research conducted to explore the outcomes of expectant parents using the free Count the Kicks app to monitor their baby’s movement in the third trimester of pregnancy.

View Poster Presentation

TESTIMONIALS

“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 & Gynecology

Latest Research

Count the Kicks and healthcare providers use the latest information from researchers to improve the care of expectant mothers. Find recent research about fetal movements and infant health below.

  • Stillbirth linked to nearly fivefold increase in maternal morbidity risk, MDedge, Obgyn, 2019 [Read more]
  • A diurnal fetal movement pattern: Findings from a cross-sectional study of maternally perceived fetal movements in the third trimester of pregnancy. (2019) [Read more]
  • An Individual Participant Data Meta-analysis of Maternal Going-to-Sleep Position, Interactions with Fetal Vulnerability, and the Risk of Late Stillbirth (2019) [Read more]
  • Alterations in maternally perceived fetal movement and their association with late stillbirth: findings from the Midland and North of England stillbirth case – control study. (2018) [Read more]
  • Stillbirth is associated with perceived alterations in fetal activity – findings from an international case control study. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth.(2017) [Read more]
  • Maternally perceived fetal movement patterns: The influence of body mass index (2019) [Read more]
  • Sleep Position in Pregnancy Q&A [Read more]

Additional Research

Research about fetal movements has been vital in decreasing stillbirths worldwide.

  • ACOG Committee on Practice Bulletins with the Assistance of Ruth C Fretts: ACOG Practice Bulletin: Clinical Management Guidelines for Obstetrician-Gynecologists March 2009 [Read more]
  • Stillbirth: Preventable tragedy or a lethal “act of nature” an editorial. OBG Management, February 2010 [Read more]
  • Fetal movement counting — maternal concern and experiences: a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial. Birth, March 2012 [Read more]
  • New indications for antepartum testing: Making the case for antepartum surveillance or timed delivery for women of advanced maternal age. Seminars in Perinatology, August 2008 [Read more]
  • Fetal movement assessment. Seminars in Perinatology, August 2008 [Read more]
  • A kick from within — fetal movement counting and the cancelled progress in antenatal care. Journal of Perinatal Medicine, June 2005 [Read more]

In the News

Easy Delivery!

Sign up for our newsletter for the simplest way to stay in touch with the latest information about our mission, events, volunteer opportunities, and more.

Disclaimer

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.