Kicks Count charity aims to reduce the UK's high stillbirth and neonatal death rate by raising awareness of baby movements.  

While there isn't one cause of stillbirth, a decrease in baby's movements can be a key warning sign that a baby is in distress and 50% of mothers who had a stillbirth noticed slowing down of baby's movements beforehand.

By raising awareness of baby's movements and encouraging mums to report any change in movement immediately it is estimated that a third of stillbirths could be prevented.  

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In the UK, 7 babies are stillborn every single day. Despite 2020 seeing the lowest stillbirth rate since records began, around 4 in every 1000 births still ends in stillbirth. Croatia, Poland and Czech Republic all have better stillbirth rates than UK.

Around a third of stillbirths happen after 37 weeks, when the baby is deemed full term.

There is a common misconception that stillbirths only happen in high-risk pregnancies or when there is a known problem. However, stillbirth can affect any mum at any time.

Why are baby’s movements so important?

50% of mothers who had a stillbirth noticed slowing down of baby movements beforehand.

While there isn’t one cause of stillbirth, a decrease in fetal movement can be a key warning sign that a baby is in distress and early delivery could save nearly a third of stillborn babies.

When the baby is being deprived of oxygen he or she will slow their movements to conserve oxygen. Cord compression, a failing placenta, or a high intake of smoke may all lead to reduced movements and could be potentially fatal.

The Confidential Enquiry into Stillbirths and Deaths in Infancy found that lack of prompt management to reduced fetal movement was a contributing factor to stillbirth.

A ‘Kicks Count’ campaign in Norway saw the rates of stillbirth halved and in the UK a similar awareness campaign in the 1980’s around cot death saw rates of sudden infant deaths fall by a massive 70%.

By raising awareness of baby's movements and encouraging mums to report any change in movement immediately it is estimated that a third of stillbirths could be prevented.

Please browse the baby loss section of our website for information on stillbirth and neonatal death memorial gifts, support organisations and useful links.