Screening tool for daily fetal movement

Knowledge of the expected pattern of fetal movements is important to both health care providers and childbearing women since altered patterns can signal fetal compromise. The daily fetal movement count (DFMC) chart, a tool that is inexpensive, uncomplicated and non-invasive, is a clinically effective means of screening for fetal well-being after 20 weeks' gestation. The DFMC requires pregnant women to begin a fetal movement count at a selected time each day, count 10 movements and record the elapsed time from the first to the tenth movement. Findings which would indicate possible danger to the fetus, and which should be reported immediately, include less than 10 movements in 12 hours; no perception of movement in an eight-hour period; a change in the usual pattern of fetal movement; or a sudden increase in violent fetal movements followed by complete cessation of movement. Development of fetal movement assessment, fetal movement recording methods, teaching patients the DFMC method and nursing implications are described in this article. Use of the DFMC by nurse practitioners can enhance the physical and emotional well-being of pregnant clients.