Womens' views on keeping fetal movement charts.

This study reports the views of 132 women on filling in fetal movement charts during pregnancy. All appeared to have received an adequate explanation of how to fill in the chart. Although just over half the sample of women were reassured by filling in the chart, 23% were worried by it and 16% made other unfavourable comments on its use. Analysis of the comments made suggests that women are probably not given an adequate explanation for the reasons for keeping a kick chart regularly, or of the possible importance of a reduction in fetal activity.