Fetal home monitoring is one way to monitor your baby.  It allows you to check the baby's heart rate so you can be aware of a potential problem.  You should NEVER ignore any feeling you have that something is wrong with your baby.  Even if the heart rate is normal, if you feel something is wrong, always call your doctor.

Fetal home monitoring should be used in conjunction with the following:

KICK COUNTS:  It is vital that you count your kicks as soon as you feel your baby kicking on a regular basis.  Go to www.babykickalliance.org for more information on kick counting.  Increase  (hyperactivity) or decrease in fetal activity can  indicate that your baby is in distress.

INCREASED MONITORING: Talk to your OB about increased monitoring and non-stress tests  so your doctor can detect any potential problems.

HICCUPS:  After 30 weeks, if your baby is getting hiccups for 5 to 10 minutes at a time more than 3 times a day, see your doctor.  Your baby could be in distress.

Mothers: If you feel something isn't right CALL YOUR DOCTOR.  Don't wait until it is too late!