When nurses help their expectant mothers assess the daily fetal movement counts (Kick counts) they should be aware that:

The fetal alarm signal should go off when fetal movements stop entirely for 12 hours.

Obese mothers familiar with their bodies can assess fetal movement as well as average-sized women.

Alcohol or cigarette smoke can irritate the fetus into greater activity.

Kick counts should be taken every half hour and averaged every 6 hours, with every other 6-hour stretch off.