Feeling Baby kick for the first time is one of the most special parts of pregnancy. But it’s not just a fun parlor trick – counting their movements is a great way to get to know their regular movement patterns, and any signs for concern.
First kicks
Although Baby will have been moving since the early weeks of pregnancy, they are too little for any movement to catch your attention until about week 20, although this may come a bit sooner if you’ve been pregnant before and a bit later (up to week 23 or so) for first-timers, or those with an anterior placenta. This first felt movement is known as the “quickening”.
Counting kicks
Counting Baby‘s kicks can be an enjoyable bonding activity, as well as a way to keep an eye out to make sure everything is okay.
Those with high-risk pregnancies will probably be advised by their healthcare provider to keep track of kicks to watch over Baby‘s health. If you fall into this category, your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions that are best for your case.
Even those without high-risk pregnancies may be advised or wish to keep track of Baby‘s kicks, usually after 28 weeks or so. Find a comfortable position (lying on the left side works well), turn down any noise or distractions, and count until you feel 10 separate kicks, flutters, rolls or other baby movements. The only movement that doesn’t count is hiccups. Learning about your baby can be easier if you choose a time that’s similar each day and a time when your baby is typically active. If it takes longer than your normal to record the 10 movements and you are 28 weeks or more, it’s recommended that you call your provider right away. Our kick counter makes it easy, check it out here!
When to call your healthcare provider
Pregnant folks should call their healthcare provider about their baby’s inactivity if they notice any of the following:
- Drastic change in frequency or strength of movements during your normal counting time
- Absence of movement
The bottom line
Counting Baby‘s kicks is a great way to monitor their health. Making a point to count kicks once each day (until you get to 10 kicks) is beneficial after you reach 28 weeks gestational age.
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Sources
- “Antepartum Assessment & Laboratory Evaluation: Ongoing Care.” March of Dimes. March of Dimes Nursing Programs, n.d. Web.
- Mayo Clinic Staff. “Fetal development: The third trimester.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic, 7/11/2014. Web.
- Tveit JV, Saastad E, Stray-Pedersen B, et al. Reduction of late stillbirth with the introduction of fetal movement information and guidelines – a clinical quality improvement. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth. 2009 Jul;9:32. DOI: 10.1186/1471-2393-9-32. PMID: 19624847; PMCID: PMC2734741.
