Kick counts during pregnancy: how and when to start?

Counting kicks during pregnancy is an essential way for expectant mothers to monitor the well-being of their babies. Feeling regular movements is a reassuring sign that the baby is healthy and developing properly. Kick counts during pregnancy, also known as fetal movement counting, is a simple and effective method to keep track of your baby’s activity level.

What is kick counting in pregnancy?

Kick counting, also known as fetal movement counting, is a method used by expectant mothers to monitor their baby’s movements and assess their well-being. It involves keeping track of the number of kicks or movements felt within a specific time frame.

Kick counts purpose is to establish a pattern of your baby’s movements, ensuring that they are active and healthy. It allows you to become more attuned to your baby’s behavior and helps you recognize any changes or potential concerns. Kick counting is generally recommended by healthcare professionals as a way to promote maternal-fetal bonding and provide peace of mind during pregnancy. The two main ways to track fetal kicks are:

• Count the number of kicks you feel in a one-hour period.
• Measure the amount of time it takes for the fetus to kick 10 times.

Most expectant mothers start feeling the fetus kick around 20 weeks into pregnancy. However, when you are a first-time mother, you may feel it later. If you’ve been pregnant before, you might feel the fetus kick a little sooner. By the 28th week of pregnancy or in the third trimester, your baby’s movements tend to become more regular and predictable, making it easier to establish a pattern.

When to start kick counts?

Counting baby’s kicks involves tracking the number of movements or kicks you feel within a certain period of time. It is typically recommended to start counting kicks around the 28th week of pregnancy when fetal movements become more regular and predictable. However, every pregnancy is different, and your healthcare provider may suggest a different timeframe based on your specific circumstances. Here are some factors to consider when determining when to start kick counts:

Gestational age

The timing for initiating kick counts during pregnancy is often based on gestational age. By the third trimester, the baby’s nervous system and muscles have developed sufficiently to allow for more coordinated movements.

Personal circumstances

Your healthcare provider may take into account factors such as your medical history, any underlying conditions, and previous pregnancy experiences when advising on when to start kick counts.

High-risk pregnancies

Suppose you have a high-risk pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, or a history of stillbirth. In that case, your healthcare provider may recommend starting kick counts earlier, even as early as the second trimester.

Breech position

If your baby is in a breech position, where the baby’s buttocks or feet are positioned to be delivered first, your healthcare provider may suggest starting kick counts during pregnancy earlier to closely monitor fetal movements.

Measure the amount of time it takes for the fetus to kick ten times

How to do kick counts during pregnancy?

The purpose of counting kicks is to establish a pattern of movement for your baby. By doing so, you can identify any significant changes or deviations from the norm, which could indicate potential problems with your baby’s health or well-being. It’s important to note that counting kicks is not a diagnostic tool but rather a way to enhance your awareness of your baby’s movements and provide valuable information to your healthcare provider.

Here are some steps to help you count kicks during pregnancy:

Find a comfortable position

Choose a comfortable position where you can focus on feeling your baby’s movements. This could be sitting or lying down on your left side, as it may improve blood flow to the uterus.

Set aside dedicated time

Allocate a specific time each day to count your baby’s kicks when you are least likely to be distracted. This could be after a meal or during a time when you typically notice increased activity.

Focus on fetal movements

Pay attention to your baby’s movements, such as kicks, rolls, or flutters. Each distinct movement counts as one kick.

Count the kicks

Start counting the kicks and keep track of the time it takes to reach a certain number. The recommended guideline is to feel at least 10 movements within two hours. However, consult with your healthcare provider as they may have specific instructions tailored to your pregnancy.

Monitor the pattern

Over time, you will establish a pattern of your baby’s movements. You may notice certain times of the day when your baby is more active or quiet. Any significant changes or deviations from the established pattern should be discussed with your healthcare provider.

How many kicks should I feel in a day?

Every baby has their own pattern of movement, and it’s essential to recognize what is normal for your baby. However, most healthcare providers suggest aiming for about 10 movements within a two-hour period as a general guideline. Keep in mind that these movements can include kicks, rolls, jabs, and any other noticeable activity.

Establishing a baseline for your baby’s movement pattern during the second and third trimesters is essential. This will help you notice any significant changes or deviations from the norm. While some babies may be more active, others may have more subtle movements. The key is to pay attention to what is typical for your baby and identify any unusual changes.