Given that the stillbirth rate in the UK has seen only a small reduction in the last 20 years and that fetal demise is most often preceded by periods of reduced or an absence of fetal movements, it is important to ask ‘how is the assessment of in-utero activity undertaken?’ The evidence suggests that antenatally, women should be regularly asked about their fetal movements and informed on methods of self-assessment. However, there appears to be wide variation in policy and practice, which may be as a result of the lack of consensus as to the definition of reduced fetal movements. As midwives, we offer the majority of care and assessment antenatally and as such have a responsibility for ensuring that women are aware of both the importance of self-assessment of fetal movements and the techniques.

Lesley Gilchrist - Independent Midwife