Counting Kicks

Remember those first little movements you felt?

A little flutter that may have been a gas bubble.

A little twitch that caught your attention.

And then those movements got bigger. Your partner was able to feel them from the outside. You got video of something that may have been a tiny foot moving across your belly. You were awakened at 3am by a little human bouncing on your bladder.

Those movements are reassuring. 

They tell us that our baby is alive and doing okay. They remind us throughout the day that there's a tiny person growing inside. 

As we get further into pregnancy, those movements- kicks, twists, pokes, and turns - become an important marker for your baby's health.

What are Kick Counts?

Kick Counts involve setting aside a time each day (when your baby is routinely most active) to count the movements you feel your baby make.

How many movements should I feel?

The goal is approximately 10 movements in a 2 hour time frame. Most babies are overachievers and will accomplish this in a much shorter period of time.

When should I start counting movements?

The recommendation is any time after 28 weeks - when movements are more definite and easy to feel.

When should I be concerned?

*If you do not feel 10 movements in 2 hours, wait a while and try again. If you're still not feeling 10 movements, a call to your provider is a good next step.

*If there is a significant shift from the normal routine of your baby over the course of 3-4 days, please let your provider know.

*If you are not feeling baby's movement and it concerns you, a call to your provider is ALWAYS an acceptable decision.