Kick counts: useful or no? - Page 2

[Hannah32]

This is totally the sort of thing that I would be likely to obsess and worry over. I wonder if the doc will bring it up at my next visit, as I'll be in the third trimester by then. I've noticed a pattern to my little guy's movements. I think it's probably a combination of when he's asleep and when I'm apt to notice him moving.

[Megan73]

The evidence seems to be that kick counts do not decrease the risk of stillbirth in low-risk pregnancies. Here's an explanation of why aimed at family doctors: http://www.jfponline.com/pdf%2F5804%...P_ClinInq4.pdf
That said, half of mothers of stillborn babies noticed reduced fetal movement. If you notice that the baby isn't moving as much, go to your doctor or midwife IMMEDIATELY. Also be aware that simply listening to the heartbeat - which many midwives will offer - won't give you the clues to fetal wellbeing that a biophysical profile will.
My first baby had a perfect heartbeat about 12 hours before she died. She might be with me right now if I'd known enough to demand a BPP.