Count the Kicks®
Count the Kicks® is a public health program, nestled in Healthy Birth Day Inc., focused on preventing stillbirth by encouraging pregnant women and providers to track fetal movements. The program started in Iowa, where the stillbirth rate went down 32% in the first 10 years of implementation, while rates in the rest of the country remained stagnant. It is now used in over 30 states. In Minnesota, the program works with the Minnesota Department of Health to provide free resources to families and providers.
About Amanda Duffy
Count the Kicks focuses on helping pregnant mothers learn their baby’s normal movement patterns. The goal is to help people notice changes and reach out to their provider if something feels off. The program offers a free app where users can track movements over time and share that information with their doctor. The app is available in more than 20 different languages. There are also printed materials and bracelets for counting kicks available. In Minnesota, these resources are free for residents.
Count the Kicks works with healthcare providers and public health organizations to spread awareness and education. In Minnesota, they partner with the Minnesota Department of Health to make resources widely available for free. They also offer continuing education for providers through organizations like the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN), so both patients and providers are informed on the importance of fetal movement monitoring.
Amanda shared that her personal story is one of the biggest examples of impact. After the stillbirth of her second-born, Reese, Amanda used Count the Kicks in her next pregnancy, which helped her feel more aware and reassured of her baby’s movement patterns.
The information to help prevent stillbirth already exists, but many people are not aware of it. Amanda shared that not talking about stillbirth does not prevent it. Instead, having open conversations can help people feel more comfortable speaking up if something does not feel right, getting help sooner, and potentially saving babies’ lives.
One challenge in Minnesota is that the program is still new, since it launched in July 2025. A big focus right now is getting the information out to both residents and providers, as the resources from Count the Kicks, such as the app, are currently free through recent legislation, as well as training providers on how to talk about fetal movements and Count the Kicks.
Amanda addressed the common concern that counting kicks might make people more anxious, but in reality, Count the Kicks provides parents with tools to feel empowered and educated on their baby’s movements. Count the Kicks is based on research started in Norway that focused on decreasing stillbirth by educating parents on tracking fetal movements and what to do if they notice changes.
Research by The Harkin Institute and Des Moines University found that app use was associated with better birth outcomes and understanding of fetal movement monitoring. Amanda shared that 77% of survey respondents reported that using the app decreased their anxiety by helping them feel more empowered and connected to their baby. Additionally, 84% of respondents shared that the app strengthened their connection with their baby in utero. To explore these findings in more detail, click here to view a poster presentation of the survey results.
Amanda shared that there are many ways to get involved. This can include helping spread awareness, supporting education, or connecting people to resources. Even small efforts can make a difference.
Count the Kicks resources, such as the app and print materials, are available for free to all Minnesota families and providers. To order these resources, visit Count the Kicks Materials Order Page.https://countthekicks.org/order-materials/.