Fetal Kick Counts
Significant changes in your baby’s movement patterns can be the first indication of potential problems with your pregnancy. Our office recommends “Count the Kicks” as an effective way to monitor your baby’s movement patterns. This method allows you time to bond with your baby, as well as helps you get to know your baby’s normal pattern of movement. Most healthy babies should have 10 kicks in less than two hours, but every baby is different. With “Count the Kicks”, you will be more likely to notice changes in your baby’s pattern that can indicate a problem that needs to be addressed. By following these recommendations, you will be taking an active role in your baby’s health before he/she is even born. It is recommended that you begin monitoring your baby’s fetal kick counts in the third trimester.
INSTRUCTIONS:
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Count the time it takes for your baby to make 10 movements which include kicks, turns, twists, swishes, rolls, and jabs. Your baby should move 10 times in less than 2 hours.
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Select a time of day when your baby is usually active. For most women, fetal movement typically peaks after meals, after activity, and in the evening.
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Do the Kick Count roughly at the same time every day.
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Get in a comfortable sitting or lying position.
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Jot down the time of the baby’s first kick (movement) and the time of the 10th kick.
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Since healthy babies have sleep cycles, your baby may not kick, or kick less than usual, or have less than 10 kicks in 2 hours. If so, wake up the baby by drinking fluid or by walking for 5 minutes. Repeat the kick count.
CONTACT YOUR PROVIDER if your baby still has less than 10 kicks in 2 hours or if there is a decrease or significant change in fetal movement.
DO NOT WAIT 24 HOURS.
For more information, go to www.countthekicks.org
and download the FREE “Count the Kicks” app
“Count the Kicks” is a project of “Healthy Birthday”