Count the Kicks
INITIATIVE
Why This Initiative Matters
Reducing stillbirths is an important part of addressing the maternal morbidity and mortality problem. The risk of severe maternal morbidity is more than 4x higher among stillbirth deliveries compared with live births. On average, more than one baby per day is stillborn in the state, and Black women have a 2x increased risk of stillbirth compared with White women. While not all stillbirths are preventable, research indicates that up to 30% may be prevented through various interventions, one of which is standardized fetal movement counting.
Being aware of changes in a baby’s normal fetal movement patterns can signal potential pregnancy complications. Therefore, equipping families with education and resources on fetal movement counting can help improve outcomes.
Count the Kicks® is a proven program that is free to participants and designed to help expectant parents monitor their baby’s movements during the third trimester.
Tracking kicks is an easy daily habit that builds confidence, strengthens the bond between parent and baby, and helps identify potential concerns early, giving providers the chance to intervene when it matters most.
This simple practice has saved countless lives and helps families feel more connected during pregnancy.
Our Shared Goals
Through the MPSC, this program provides free educational resources on fetal movement monitoring to hospitals, health departments, OB/GYN offices, and doula groups across the state and region. Since launching in 2023, more than 70,000 pieces of educational material have been ordered, including resources translated into Spanish and Haitian Creole, and eight organizations are currently enrolled in the Count the Kicks Implementation Partner Program to standardize the delivery of fetal movement education.
If your organization has fully implemented Count the Kicks or is in the process of doing so, MPSC would love to celebrate YOUR TEAM and highlight this important accomplishment. Join us as a Count the Kicks Implementation Partner.
Learn More from Experts
Learn how to engage in the Kick Counting conversation with your patients and guide them is downloading and using the FREE Count the Kicks app today!
Webinar Recording: Introduction to Count the Kicks for Healthcare Providers
Both resources are designed to make kick counting accessible, easy, and reliable for every expecting family.
Join Us and start implementing Count the Kicks at your facility email programs@midatlanticpatientsafety.org to learn more about how to join.
