As an expectant, you may be filled with numerous questions leading up to the birth of your child and how to care for your little one upon arrival. The information below may answer some of your questions. Please view our Childbirth Classes for a full list of available courses offered by Berger.

One-hour glucose tolerance test:

This test should be done between 24-28 weeks of pregnancy. Take your order sheet to registration and they will send you to the lab. The lab technician will ask you to drink some syrup and wait for one hour. At the end of the hour the lab technician will draw your blood. Your blood will then be tested to determine how much sugar it still contains. If the results are high you will need to have a three-hour glucose tolerance test.

Three-hour glucose tolerance test:

This test is necessary only if the result of your one-hour test is high. The test is similar to the one-hour glucose tolerance test except that one tube of blood is drawn every hour for three hours after you drink the syrup. If the results of your three-hour test are high you will have to monitor your blood sugar levels at home for the remainder of your pregnancy.

Gestational diabetes:

If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes you will need to monitor your blood sugar levels at home on a regular basis. It is important to keep your levels well maintained to prevent other problems during the pregnancy. High levels of sugar in the blood can result in a very large baby. You will also be sent to the labor and delivery unit for non-stress testing twice a week for the rest of your pregnancy.

Non-stress testing:

If you are told you need a non-stress test you should report to the maternity unit. For this test, two belts are placed around your abdomen. One belt monitors your baby's heart rate and the other belt checks for contractions. You will need to eat before coming to the maternity unit for this test, which can take anywhere from 20 minutes to a couple of hours.

It is very important to pay special attention to the medications you are taking while pregnant. This is especially true during the first trimester which is a crucial time of development for your baby.

Medication You Can Take:

Pain medications

• Tylenol (acetaminophen) - any Tylenol Product
• Codeine (by prescription only)

Heartburn, Indigestion, or Gas

• Tums
• Rolaids
• Gas-X
• Pepcid
• Zantac

Cough or Cold

• Robitussin cough
• Robitussin DM
• Sudafed
• Robitussin CF
• Tavist D
• Saline nasal spray

Allergy

• Zyrtec
• Claratin
• Benadryl

Nausea

• Vitamin B6

Yeast Infection

• Monistat

Hemorrhoids

• Preparation H
• Tucks medicated wipes

Toothaches

• Orajel
• Novacaine
• Tylenol

Diarrhea

• Imodium -- 1 dose. If diarrhea continues, call your provider.

Constipation

• Colace
• Fibercon
• Citrucel
• Metamucil
• Milk
• Fiberall

Lice

• Rid

Medication You Should Not Take:

Pain medications

• Aspirin -- adult and baby
• Motrin
• Advil
• Aleve

Other

• All medications not approved by Dr. Adkins, Dr. Goldfarb or Dr. Shields

What should I eat?

Pregnant women should eat a balanced diet including grains, vegetables, fruits, milk, meat & beans. The food guide pyramid provides a great outline of what a well-balanced diet looks like. A pregnant woman only needs about 300 extra calories more than usual. You can calculate your daily caloric needs at www.mypyramid.gov.

In addition to a balanced diet, pregnant women need to drink at least 6-8 glasses of water each day. Plenty of water is necessary to help prevent preterm labor and other problems. Pregnant women need to drink half their body weight in ounces every day.

Are you struggling with constipation? Eating foods that have a lot of fiber and drinking a lot of water will help prevent constipation. High-fiber include fruits, vegetables, whole grain breads, and bran cereals. Prune juice may also help.

Morning sickness?

Eating foods that are low in fat, especially grains, may help prevent morning sickness. Snacks such as dry toast, crackers, cereal, ginger snaps, and ginger ale are highly recommended. You may find it helpful to keep crackers by your bed and eat a couple crackers before you get out of bed in the morning. Also, eating small frequent meals is a must.

Folic Acid

Folic acid has been shown to help prevent certain neural tube birth defects. Women who are pregnant, as well as those trying to become pregnant, should eat foods rich in folic acid and take vitamins containing folic acid. Foods that contain folic acid include: dark, leafy green vegetables, whole grain breads and cereals, and orange juice. You will also need to take a prenatal vitamin everyday to make sure you get enough folic acid to prevent birth defects.

Iron

The unborn baby gets iron from his or her mother, which can leave mommy without as much iron as she needs. Mothers-to-be must consume an iron rich diet and also take a prenatal vitamin that contains iron. Foods that contain iron include: beef liver, beef, liverwurst, lima beans, peas, spinach, prunes, dates, egg noodles, kidney beans, baked beans, and peanuts.

What to avoid

Fish

Do not eat swordfish, shark, or marlin because they could contain mercury. Do not eat more than one can of tuna per week. Freshwater fish can contain toxins that are found in the fat, so eat only low fat fish and trim off excess fat and skin before you eat it.

Unpasteurized cheese

Do not eat unpasteurized cheeses. These cheeses are soft cheeses such as brie, camembert, and feta. These cheeses may contain bacteria which can make you sick.

Raw eggs

Do not eat raw eggs or foods containing raw eggs such as cookie dough. Raw eggs may contain bacteria.

Undercooked meat

All meats should be cooked through to prevent bacteria and illness.

Alcohol

Alcohol use during pregnancy may lead to fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). (Lowdermilk & Perry, 2003) FAS is the leading cause of mental retardation. FAS can also cause low birth weight, facial deformities, problems with the heart, kidneys, liver, and a poor immune system. Children born with FAS will have many problems as they grow including: slow learning, attention problems, poor memory, poor coordination, and many infections.

Researchers have not found a risk free level of alcohol. Pregnant women should never consume any alcohol.

Smoking Risks:

1. Miscarriage
2. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
3. Tubal pregnancy -- a life threatening problem for Mothers
4. Preterm birth
5. Premature rupture of membranes
6. Abrupted placenta
7. Infection of the uterus
8. Low birth weight
(Lowdermilk, Perry, & Bobak, 2000)

Cigarette smoking is a major cause of death and disease including heart disease, cancer (especially lung and cervical cancers), chronic lung disease, and overall poor health. The average smoker shortens his or her life by 6 to 8 years. (Lowdermilk, Perry, & Bobak, 2000)

Smoking constricts blood vessels and replaces the oxygen in your blood with carbon monoxide. This leads to poor oxygen flow and poor nutrition to your unborn baby. Your baby may become malnourished and may even be deprived of the amount of oxygen necessary to survive.

Caffeine

The Food and Drug Administration recommends that pregnant women limit their caffeine intake to 300 mg per day. That is equal to about 3 cups of coffee or soda.

What contains caffeine?

• Coffee -- approximately 150 mg per 8 ounce serving
• Tea -- approximately 40 mg per 8 ounce serving
• Many sodas -- check the label for caffeine amount and serving size
• Chocolate -- approximately 15 mg per ounce

Caffeine is a stimulant that can cause anxiety and sleep problems. It can also make existing heart arrhythmias worse. Excess caffeine intake has been associated with decreased birth weight in newborns.

There are a few symptoms that you may need to be concerned about during your pregnancy. If you are less than 20 weeks pregnant you should go to the emergency room for the pregnancy related problems listed below. If you are more than 20 weeks pregnant you should go to labor and delivery for the pregnancy related problems listed below.

Go to the hospital immediately if you have:

• Bright red vaginal bleeding
• Pounding headaches that won't go away after taking Tylenol
• Vision problems such as blurred vision, double vision, or seeing spots
• Sharp, sudden pain in your abdomen that doesn't go away
• Leaking fluid -- usually a gush but may be a constant, slow trickle
• Any signs of labor before 37 weeks
• Major change in your baby's movement

You can wait until office hours and call your provider if you have:

• Swelling in your feet, ankles, hands, and face that doesn't go away
• Burning when you urinate
• Fever over 100 degrees
• A decrease in your baby's movement
• Vaginal discharge that is irritating or has a bad odor

CBC - Complete Blood Count

The CBC test looks at the overall make-up of your blood. Your provider will look specifically at your hemoglobin to make sure you are not anemic. Your provider may want you to take an iron supplement if it is determined that you are anemic, since anemia can make you feel even more tired than normal.

Blood Type

You will be given a test to determine whether or not you will need a shot of Rhogam later in your pregnancy. If your blood is A-, B-, AB-, or O- you will receive Rhogam during your second trimester to prevent complications in future pregnancies.

Rubella Titer

Rubella is an illness that we are usually immunized against when we are children. However, you may need to receive it after you deliver your baby if you were never given this vaccine or if it has since worn off.

HIV

HIV testing is recommended for all pregnant women. This test is optional and you will be asked to sign a consent if you want to receive the test. It is highly recommended because HIV or AIDS can be transmitted to your baby during pregnancy if you are HIV positive. If you are HIV positive, you should be treated during pregnancy and followed by a high-risk specialist.

Taking care of your body has never been more important, now that you’re pregnant,. Staying healthy during pregnancy depends on you, so it's crucial to arm yourself with information about the many ways to keep you and your baby as healthy as possible.

Exercise

Ask your provider about exercise. Exercise is important to your health and it is usually recommended to continue exercising while pregnant. There are some limitations to consider, however, when planning an exercise routine during pregnancy.

Good exercise

Good exercise includes walking, swimming, or yoga for at least 30 minutes, three times per week. If exercising is new to you, build up your strength by simply taking a walk everyday.

Risky exercise

Avoid activities that require holding your breath, bearing down, and jerky/bouncy motions or loss of balance (Lowdermilk & Perry, 2003). Activities such as surfing, mountain climbing, skydiving, skiing, gymnastics, horseback riding, skating, heavy weight lifting, scuba diving, and racquetball should be avoided. You may want to consider decreasing weight-bearing exercises such as jogging and running and do more non-weight-bearing activities such as swimming or stretching.

Next, seek help to determine what exercise routine is right for you. Usually it is recommended that you exercise regularly, at least three times per week. (Lowdermilk & Perry, 2003) If you don't exercise regularly, start small and work your way up. To help prevent injury, you should warm up and stretch to prepare your muscles and joints before you begin strenuous exercise.

Check your pulse every 10-15 minutes while you are exercising. Ask your provider or other healthcare provider how to properly check your pulse. If your pulse is more than 140 beats per minute, slow down until your pulse is less than 90 beats per minute. (Lowdermilk & Perry, 2003) If you cannot talk while you are exercising, you should slow down. Also, limit exercise time to about 30 minutes to avoid becoming too hot. You may need to decrease your exercise level as your pregnancy progresses.

Wear supportive shoes and a supportive bra while exercising. This will help prevent too much strain on your body and pain after exercise.

At the end of your exercise routine you should have a cool down period of mild activity. You should rest lying on your side for a few minutes and drink plenty of water following this cool down. This is a great time to feel for your baby to move. If you have shortness of breath, dizziness, numbness, tingling, pain, more than four contractions per hour, decreased movement of your baby, or vaginal bleeding you should stop exercising immediately and call your provider.

Hygiene

A chain of infection must first occur for an infection to be passed on, and all of its links must be present in order for the chain to occur,. The link representing the means of transmission is the easiest to wipe out, and involves simple things that you can do to stop the spread of infection and prevent illness. These things are especially important in pregnancy.

1. Wash your hands --before meals, after touching your nose or using the restroom.
2. Shower or bathe on a daily basis -- this will help prevent yeast infections and other vaginal infections.
3. Wash hair daily -- this helps prevent the spread of lice.
4. Brush teeth twice daily -- dental problems are common in pregnancy.
5. Wash clothing regularly – Germs that spread illness can live on clothing.
6. See the dentist regularly

(From your last period through 8 weeks)

Your Body:

• You were about two weeks pregnant when you missed your first period.
• You may feel sick (yes, morning sickness can last all day).
• You might be more tired than normal.
• Your breasts may be sore.
• You should not be gaining any weight just yet.
• Proper nutrition and avoiding harmful drugs is very important.

Your Baby:

• Your baby's features were set when the sperm met the egg.
• Your baby's father determines your baby's gender.
• Your baby's major organs are forming.
• There are already tiny ear buds, spots for eyes, and a tiny nose.
• Arm and leg buds are forming.
• Your baby is developing inside his or her very own swimming pool- your amniotic sac.
• On day 17, your baby's heart starts beating.

Your first appointment:

• Today you will urinate in a cup and your urine will be tested for HCG (a hormone made only during pregnancy), protein, and glucose.
• You will be weighed to determine the starting point used to see how much weight you gain during your pregnancy.
• Your blood pressure will be tested.
• You will be asked many questions about your overall health as well as previous pregnancies.
• You will be sent to the lab for blood work.
• Your provider will perform a pap test and may perform cultures.
• Your provider may perform a vaginal ultrasound to take a look at your baby. If not at your first appointment, your provider will have you come back later that month for the ultrasound.

When to go to the emergency room:

• Painful cramps with vaginal bleeding.
• If you can't keep anything down and you think you're dehydrated.

(Weeks 8-12)

Your Body:

• Morning sickness continues.
• Your breasts may be getting larger and more tender.
• You may be feeling more tired.
• You may gain a pound or two this month. Too much weight gain may lead to difficulty losing those extra pounds after pregnancy.
• Your uterus is beginning to crowd your bladder and you may urinate more often, maybe even in the middle of the night.
• Increased blood supply to your vagina and cervix may lead to pink, blood-tinged discharge, especially after sex.
• Thick, white sticky discharge is also normal.

Your Baby:

• Eyes and ears are growing.
• Facial features are forming.
• Your baby's head is large because the brain is growing faster than the rest of the body.
• Skin, muscles, and cartilage are forming your baby's body.
• The umbilical cord has formed.
• Fingers, toes, and fingernails are forming.
• The stomach, liver, and kidneys are developing.
• Your baby will weigh about 1 ounce and be just over 2 inches by the end of this month.
• The heart continues to beat.

Your appointment:

• Urine test for protein and glucose.
• Weight
• Blood pressure
• Vaginal ultrasound or Doppler heart tones. You will see or hear your child's heartbeat.

When to go to the emergency room:

• Bad cramping.
• Vaginal bleeding. Bleeding like a period is abnormal. Blood tinged discharge, especially after sex, is normal.
• If you cannot keep any fluids down.

(Weeks 12-16)

Your Body:

• Morning sickness may or may not go away.
• You may have more energy.
• You may gain 2-3 pounds this month.
• You may be able to feel the top of your uterus in your lower abdomen.
• You may still urinate frequency.
• You might be constipated at times.
• You may be happy one minute and sad the next; mood swings.

Your Baby:

• Your baby is still too small to really feel movement.
• Ear, arms, hands, fingers, legs, feet, and toes will be completely formed this month.
• Vocal cords and taste buds are formed.
• The neck is well shaped, and the head can be held up.
• Your baby's elbows can bend.
• Your baby can now kick.
• Your baby can now form fists.
• Genital organs are well formed.
• One cup of fluid surrounds your baby and your baby can swallow this fluid and urinate.
• By the end of the month your baby will weigh 1/4 pound and be 2 1/4 inches long.
• Baby’s heartbeat is 120-160 beats per minute.

Your appointment:

• Urine Test
• Weight
• Blood Pressure
• You will hear your baby's heartbeat this month.
• Either this month or next you will be offered AFP testing.

When to go to the hospital:

• Bad cramping.
• Vaginal bleeding. Bleeding like a period is abnormal. Blood tinged discharge, especially after sex, is normal.
• If you cannot keep any fluids down.

(Weeks 16-20)

Your body:

• You are beginning to show a baby bump.
• You gain about a pound per week.
• Your nipples, the area around your nipples and the line down the middle of your abdomen may darken.
• You are less tired.
• You may enjoy your pregnancy now.
• You may crave certain foods.
• The top of your uterus will be near your belly button by the end of this month.
• You will need to get maternity clothes.

Your baby:

• Your baby starts a growth spurt in weight and length.
• Hair begins to grow.
• Eyebrows and eyelashes are forming.
• The skin starts to fill out with fat.
• The kidneys make urine.
• You may begin to feel movements this month.
• The amniotic fluid increases a lot this month.
• At the end of this month your baby will be 10 inches long and weigh about 3/4 pound.

Your appointment:

• Urine Test
• Weight
• Blood Pressure
• You might have an ultrasound. This is your chance to peek at your baby's sex if you wish.
• If you have not completed AFP testing, you should do so.

When to go to the hospital:

• Bad cramping.
• Vaginal bleeding. Bleeding like a period is abnormal. Blood tinged discharge, especially after sex, is normal.
• If you cannot keep any fluids down.
• Burning when you urinate.

(Weeks 20-24)

Your Body:

• You feel good most of the time.
• You are wearing maternity clothes.
• You continue to gain about 1 pound per week.
• Your breasts grow larger and softer, and the veins may be visible.
• You may leak colostrum from your breasts.
• Your hair may feel thicker and oilier.
• You may feel occasional contractions (tightening of your uterus that is not painful) especially after sex.
• You may continue to be emotional.

Your Baby:

• You will feel more movements now as the baby becomes more active.
• Your baby will have active periods and rest periods.
• The skin is protected by white, cheesy vernix.
• The skin is filling out with fat.
• Eyelids are formed, but remain closed.
• The fingernails are growing.
• Your baby will be about 12 inches long and weigh about 1 1/2 pounds by the end of this month.

Your appointment:

• Urine Test
• Weight
• Blood Pressure
• You will have an ultrasound if you did not have one last month. Sneak peek at the sex of the baby is possible now.

When to go to the hospital:

• You may now go directly to the maternity center for pregnancy related concerns that cannot wait until the doctor is in.
• Come to the maternity center if you have vaginal bleeding, more than 6 contractions in 1 hour, or if you have a gush of fluids that could be your water breaking.
• You should still go to the emergency room for problems that are not related to pregnancy.

(Weeks 24-28)

Your Body:

• You continue to gain about 1 pound per week.
• You may develop stretch marks on your belly, thighs, hips, and breasts.
• Tightening of the uterine muscle (Braxton-hicks contractions) is preparing your body for labor.
• You may experience heartburn. Especially after heavy or spicy meals. Avoiding spicy foods and lying down for an hour after meals may help.
• Your sex drive may increase and decrease from week to week.

Your Baby:

• Your baby is big enough to be felt when your abdomen is examined.
• The fingerprints are forming.
• The eyes are almost developed.
• The eyelids can now open and close.
• The baby can kick, cry, and hiccup.
• Noises from the outside may cause the baby to move or become quiet.
• The baby will be about 15 inches long and weigh nearly 2 1/2 pounds by the end of the month.

Your appointment:

• Urine Test
• Weight
• Blood Pressure
• Tummy check
• Listen to your baby's heartbeat
• You may be sent to the lab for a glucose challenge test.
• You should schedule your childbirth, infant care, and breastfeeding classes now.

When to go to the hospital:

• Vaginal bleeding
• If you can't keep anything down
• A big gush of fluid
• More than 6 contractions in one hour
• Little or no fetal movement after doing fetal kick counts.

(Weeks 28-32)

Your body:

• You may gain weight a little faster this month because your baby is now in his or her fastest growing period.
• You may notice kicking against your ribs.
• You can see your abdomen move as the baby moves.
• You may feel awkward and tire easily.
• Your hands, feet, and ankles may swell. Avoiding standing for a long time when you can and avoid too much salt and soda in your diet.
• Your breasts may leak. You may need padding in your bra now.
• You may have mild back pain from the shift in weight. Tylenol or a cold pack may help.

Your baby:

• The brain and nervous system grow quickly.
• Your baby is now storing iron for birth.
• Fingerprints are formed.
• Testicles of boys start to move down into the scrotum.
• Your baby can suck his or her thumb.
• Your baby will be about 16 inches long and weigh about 2 1/2 - 3 pounds by the end of this month.

Your appointment:

• Urine Test
• Weight
• Blood Pressure
• You will get Rhogam at this visit if you have a negative blood type.
• Listen to your baby's heartbeat.
• You need to schedule childbirth classes if you haven't already done so.

When to go to the hospital:

• Vaginal bleeding
• If you can't keep anything down
• A big gush of fluid
• More than 6 contractions in one hour
• Little or no fetal movement after doing fetal kick counts.
• Severe headache that doesn't go away after taking Tylenol.

(Weeks 32-36)

Your body:

• You may be feeling uncomfortable now.
• Sleeping may become difficult as it is difficult to find a comfortable position.
• You may feel short of breath because the baby is near your rib cage.
• You may be able to feel parts of your baby through your abdomen.
• You will once again need to urinate more often, maybe even in the middle of the night.
• You may notice increased vaginal discharge.
• You may get hemorrhoids.
• You might have heartburn.
• You might tire easily.

Your Baby:

• Your baby's eyes are open.
• The fine hair and cheesy vernix is now disappearing.
• Your baby will gain about 2 pounds this month for a total of about 5 1/2 and 18 inches long.

Your appointment:

• You may have two appointments this month.
• Urine Test
• Weight
• Blood pressure
• Listen to your baby's heartbeat.
• You need to schedule childbirth classes if you haven't already done so.

When to go to maternity:

• Vaginal bleeding
• If you can't keep anything down
• A big gush of fluid
• More than 6 contractions in one hour
• Little or no fetal movement after doing fetal kick counts.
• Severe headache
• Sudden swelling in your face with nausea and vomiting

(Weeks 36-40)

Your body:

• You are tired of being pregnant and ready for delivery.
• Your abdomen is getting bigger and it may look lopsided when the baby moves.
• Your hands, feet, and ankles may swell. Continue to limit salt intake.
• You may feel pressure in your lower belly and pelvis as the baby drops into position for birth. The Braxton-Hicks contractions are more frequent.
• You continue to urinate frequently.
• Sleeping continues to be difficult.
• You tire easily.

Your baby:

• The eye color is dark grey.
• Fingernails become complete and may grow long.
• Baby may move slightly less, but should still continue to move.
• Organs continue to develop, especially the lungs.
• About one quart of amniotic fluid surrounds the baby.
• By the end of the month, your baby will weigh 6 1/2 to 7 1/2 pounds and will be about 20 inches long.

Your appointment:

• You will have weekly appointments this month.
• Urine Test
• Weight
• Blood pressure
• Listen to the baby's heartbeat
• You may have an ultrasound this month.
• You will have weekly cervical checks (vaginal exams).

When to go to the hospital:

• Vaginal bleeding
• If you can't keep anything down
• A big gush of fluid
• More than 6 contractions in one hour
• Little or no fetal movement after doing fetal kick counts.
• Severe headache
• Come to the maternity unit when your contractions are 2-3 minutes apart. (see true labor vs. false labor)

What is AFP?

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a protein made by your baby as he or she grows. During pregnancy, AFP is found in the amniotic fluid and in small amounts in the mother's blood stream. In some women there may be more or less AFP. This does NOT always mean there is a problem with the baby, but it does mean you may want to have more testing done. AFP testing consists of a simple blood test. This test is done between your 15-20 weeks of pregnancy.

Reasons for increased AFP:

• Being further along in pregnancy than initially thought.
• Being pregnant with more than one baby.
• The presence of a neural tube defect.

What are Neural Tube Defects?

Neural Tube Defects (NTD) are birth defects in which the baby's brain or part of the spine does not form normally. The two major types are anencephaly and spina bifida. Anencephaly is when the brain and head don't develop normally. Spina bifida is when the spine does not close correctly. This effect can be mild to severe. Problems with the baby can range from no problems to paralysis of the legs and mental retardation. With advances in medicine this problem can be surgically corrected in some cases.

What is Down syndrome?

Down syndrome is a problem with the chromosomes. Children born with this disorder are usually mentally retarded and may have other birth defects such as digestive problems.

Should I have this test done?

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists mandates that this screening should be offered to all pregnant women. If you're not sure what to do, discuss having this test with your provider or nurse.

What do the results mean?

Normal test results do not guarantee that your baby will be healthy. Abnormal results do not mean that your baby is unhealthy. Abnormal results simply mean that further testing should be performed. If your results are abnormal, you will be sent to Columbus for another ultrasound. If the ultrasound doesn't show anything, an amniocentesis may be done.

Amniocentesis

Amniocentesis is when a sample of the amniotic fluid surrounding your baby is taken and analyzed. The provider will use a needle to get some of the fluid out from your abdomen and send it to the lab for testing. The results can take a couple of weeks. There are risks with this test which include: cramping, bleeding, infection, leaking of amniotic fluid, and a small risk of miscarriage (1%). You should discuss the risks and benefits of this test with your doctor if the test is recommended.

What Does Fetal Movement Count Mean?

Fetal movement count is the number of times the baby moves during a given period. Babies do not move constantly. They may sleep for about 20 minutes and then wake up and move around. One way to check on your baby's health before birth is to count the number of times he or she moves during a certain period each day. You can feel movement as the baby pushes against the wall of your uterus (womb). You can also feel the baby move by placing your hands on your abdomen. Sometimes you can see a ripple or little bump on your abdomen when the baby changes position. Some women describe the movements as rolling, stretching or pushing. Each feeling of movement counts as one movement. Write down the number of movements. How Should I Record The Movements? Choose a time twice a day to count your baby's movements. Try to plan your fetal movement counts at the same time each day.

Follow these directions for this simple, but very important test of your baby's health.

• Get into a comfortable position. Lie on your left side to move the weight of the uterus off the large blood vessels. Oxygen is carried through these blood vessels to your uterus and to your baby.
• Use the Fetal Movement Counts record sheet that is part of this document to record the movements.
• Look at a clock and write down the time you start counting.
• Each time the baby moves, make a mark on the paper.
• When the baby has moved 10 times, stop counting.
• Write down the time of the last (10th) movement on the paper.
• Write down the length of time it took for your baby to move 10 times.
• Tell your nurse.

What If The Baby Does Not Move Or Moves Only A Little?

If your baby does not move at least 10 times in 1 hour, call your nurse. There are other ways to check the baby. For example, the nurse will listen to the baby's heart rate. She may ask you to move around, either in or out of bed if you are allowed to get up. If the baby still does not move, she will call your provider. The tests will probably be ordered. Ask your nurse or provider if you have any further questions.

Fetal Movement Counts

Write down each time your baby moves while lying on your left side for a period of 30 minutes or 1 hour. Please do movement counts two times a day, preferable after meals. If you notice the movements are less than 10 in a one hour period come to labor and delivery.