<P> Fetuses aged 14 to 18 weeks show a pronounced circadian rhythm in their activity level, which can be detected both by fetal electrocardiogram and by measuring locomotor activity . Active and quiet periods for the fetus do not correspond to those of the mother; fetuses are most active from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again from 7 p.m. to 4 a.m. During the last four to six weeks before birth, most of the fetus's kicking and jabbing movements occur while it is sleeping lightly . </P> <P> After quickening, a pregnant woman may choose to count the number and types of movements she feels her fetus make . This tally is informally known as a kick count . The American Pregnancy Association states that advantages of conducting kick counts range from giving a pregnant woman an opportunity to bond with her baby to reducing the risk of stillbirth; kick counts are especially recommended in high risk pregnancies . However, instructing women to monitor fetal movements is potentially associated with increased maternal anxiety . </P> <P> To make a kick count, a woman finds a comfortable position, such as sitting upright with her back supported or lying on her left side (which maximizes blood flow to the fetus), and times how long it takes to feel at least ten movements such as kicks, flutters, or rolls . Ideally, ten movements should be felt within two hours, although often that number is reached in a much shorter period . A count of less than ten movements prompts immediate contact with a midwife or maternity unit . 70% of pregnancies with a single episode of reduced fetal movements are uncomplicated . </P> <P> There is no good evidence to suggest which method of counting fetal movement is best . It was suggested that formal movement counting such as count to 10 or counting movements at a specific time each day was more effective than an undefined method in detecting when the baby was in distress . More research is needed to establish whether counting movements does reduce the rates of stillbirths particularly in countries where resources are not readily available . </P>

When does a fetus move in the womb