I remember a lovely couple in my clinic, first-time parents, their eyes wide with a mix of excitement and, let’s be honest, a little bit of nervousness. The mom placed her hands on her belly and asked, “Doctor, how will I know if everything’s okay in there between visits?” And that’s often when we start talking about the little whispers, then nudges, then full-on acrobatics from their baby – and how tuning into those kick counts can be such a reassuring thing. It’s a simple way for you to connect with your little one and help us keep an eye on their well-being.
What Exactly Are Kick Counts and Why Bother?
So, what are kick counts, or fetal movement counting as we sometimes call it? It’s really just you, Mom, becoming an expert on your baby’s unique rhythm of wiggles, kicks, and rolls while they’re cozy in your uterus. Think of it as learning your baby’s daily dance routine.
Why do we suggest this? Well, changes in your baby’s movement patterns can sometimes be an early heads-up that they might be feeling a bit stressed. If you know what’s “normal” for your baby, you’re in the best position to notice if something feels a little off. It’s a wonderful tool that empowers you.
What Do Those Little Kicks Feel Like?
Oh, those first little taps! They often start around 20 weeks into your pregnancy. If this is your first baby, it might be a touch later, and if you’ve been pregnant before, you might recognize them a little sooner. They can be so subtle at first.
Moms I’ve spoken to describe them as:
- Gentle flutters, like butterflies
- Swishes or whooshes
- Little rolls
- Tiny jabs
Don’t worry if you’re not sure what you’re feeling right away. As your baby grows, especially into the third trimester (that’s from 28 weeks to 40 weeks), those movements will become stronger and much more distinct. You’ll get to know them, I promise.
Getting Started with Kick Counts: When & How
While it’s good to be generally aware of your baby’s movements throughout pregnancy, we usually suggest really focusing on kick counts as you head into your third trimester – around 28 weeks. By then, your baby often has a more established pattern of activity.
Your Simple Guide to Counting Kicks
There are a couple of easy ways to do this. Some folks like using an app, but a simple timer and a piece of paper work just as well. Here’s a common approach:
- Pick a time: Choose a time when your baby is usually active, or when you can relax without too many distractions. After a meal can be a good time, or perhaps in the evening.
- Get comfy: Lie down on your left side if you can (this helps with blood flow to the baby), or sit with your feet up.
- Hands on belly: Place your hands on your tummy. It just helps you focus.
- Start your timer: Note the time.
- Count the movements: Count each kick, flutter, swish, or roll. You’re looking for distinct movements.
- Aim for 10: See how long it takes to feel 10 movements. Many guidelines, including those from The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), suggest you ideally want to feel 10 movements within two hours.
- Jot it down: Once you reach 10, note how long it took.
Alternatively, you can set a timer for one hour and make a mark on your paper for every movement you feel. At the end of the hour, count your marks. Ten movements in an hour is generally considered typical.
The most important thing? After a few days, you’ll start to get a feel for your baby’s normal pattern. That’s what we’re really interested in.
What if Baby’s a Bit Sleepy?
Sometimes, your little one might just be having a nap when you decide to count. It happens! If you’re not feeling much movement, you can try a few gentle things to encourage a wiggle:
- Have a small, healthy snack or a drink of juice (the natural sugars can sometimes get them moving).
- Get up and walk around for a few minutes.
- Gently jiggle your belly or play some music nearby.
- Lie down on your left side, as that often perks them up.
When to Chat with Your Doctor About Kick Counts
Please, please try not to let kick counts become a source of stress. It’s meant to be a helpful tool, not something to cause anxiety. Your baby will have active times and sleepy times, just like us.
It’s perfectly okay if it sometimes takes a bit longer than other times to feel those 10 movements. However, if you’ve tried for two hours and you haven’t felt at least 10 movements, or if you notice a significant change from your baby’s usual pattern – say, they’re usually very active at a certain time and suddenly they’re very quiet – that’s when it’s a good idea to give your doctor or midwife a call. Just to be on the safe side. We can always do a quick check, maybe listen to the baby’s heart rate or do an ultrasound, to make sure everything is okay.
And a quick myth-buster: babies generally don’t kick less right before labor. The type of movement might feel different as they get bigger and have less room – maybe more rolls and fewer sharp kicks – but the overall frequency should stay pretty consistent with their established pattern. If you’re ever unsure, a call to us is always the right move.
Take-Home Message: Your Kick Counts Checklist
Here are the key things I’d love for you to remember about kick counts:
- Tune In: Start paying attention to your baby’s movements, especially from the third trimester (around 28 weeks).
- Know Your Baby’s Normal: The goal is to learn your baby’s unique pattern of activity.
- Count to 10: A good general guide is to aim for 10 movements (kicks, flutters, rolls) within a two-hour window when your baby is typically active.
- Don’t Panic, But Do Call: If you don’t feel 10 movements in two hours, or if you notice a significant decrease or change in your baby’s usual fetal movement, it’s time to call your doctor or midwife.
- Not Less Before Labor: Babies don’t typically move less before labor begins; the type of movement might change, but the frequency should remain similar.
You’ve Got This!
Monitoring your baby’s kick counts is just one more way you’re already being an amazing parent. It’s a simple, loving way to connect and be aware. We’re here to support you every step of the way, so never hesitate to reach out with questions. You’re not alone in this.