Connecting with fetus: The use of app-based fetal movement counting and experiences during pregnancy and birth

Background: Pregnant people are often introduced to fetal movement counting to monitor the health of their fetus. This study aims to examine the impacts of app-based fetal movement counting on experiences during pregnancy and birth.

Method: This study used two types of secondary data including individual user's app use and their end of pregnancy survey data collected on the Count the Kicks (CTK) app. CTK is a free mobile app providing a virtual platform for pregnant people to conduct their daily kick counting. The study sample includes 1,147 pregnant people. Descriptive analyses were used to examine the number of kick counts using CTK and pregnant women's experiences with the app, their pregnancy, and childbirth. Bivariate analyses were used to examine the relationships between the frequency of kick counts and pregnant people's experience with their pregnancy and birth. Logistic regressions were used to model pregnant people's experiences: anxiety level related to their pregnancy and bonding with their baby.

Findings: The study found that there is inadequate compliance with daily fetal movement counting recommendations in third trimester among pregnant people. However, results showed that frequent use of fetal movement counting is associated with lower anxiety level related to their pregnancy, and more bonding with their baby. These positive pregnancy experiences are associated with healthy birth.

Conclusion: To benefit from the impacts of fetal movement counting on positive pregnancy and birth experience, the app developers and public health agencies need to develop strategies to increase daily use of fetal movement counting.