Kick counts, or fetal movement counting, is a non-invasive way for expectant parents to monitor the health and activity of their developing baby. Regular movement is a widely recognized indicator of fetal well-being, as a healthy baby typically maintains a consistent pattern of activity. Tracking these movements helps establish a baseline for the baby’s normal behavior, allowing for the timely detection of significant changes. This simple daily check-in serves as an important communication tool between the baby and the parent.
When and How Often to Perform Kick Counts
Kick counting typically starts around the 28th week of gestation, marking the beginning of the third trimester. Some healthcare providers may recommend starting earlier, particularly in pregnancies with specific risk factors like gestational diabetes or high blood pressure. The specific timing should always be confirmed with the individual’s obstetric provider, as guidelines can vary.
The standard recommendation focuses not on a set number of daily counting sessions but on achieving a specific movement goal. The most common target is to feel 10 distinct movements—which include kicks, flutters, swishes, or rolls—within a maximum period of two hours. If this goal is met, the counting session is considered successful for the day, and further counting is not necessary at that time.
It is generally advised to perform this check once per day, ideally when the baby is naturally most active, such as in the evening hours. Performing the count around the same time each day helps to establish a clearer pattern of the baby’s usual behavior. If the goal of 10 movements is achieved quickly, for instance, in under 10 minutes, the session may be much shorter than the full two-hour window.
Step-by-Step Counting Methodology
To conduct an accurate kick count, it is helpful to choose a time when the baby is usually active and the parent can focus without distraction. This focused environment allows for better perception of subtle movements. Many find that movements increase about an hour after a meal due to the rise in blood glucose, making this a practical time to begin.
The parent should assume a comfortable, semi-reclined position or lie down on their left side. Lying on the left side enhances blood flow to the baby and improves movement detection. Once positioned, the parent should note the exact start time of the counting session.
A movement is defined as any distinct motion felt, such as a kick, roll, elbow jab, or flutter. Do not count hiccups, which feel like small, repetitive spasms, as they are not considered a sign of active movement. The parent should track each movement until the target number of 10 is reached, using a piece of paper, a dedicated chart, or a tracking app. Once the 10th movement is felt, the parent records the end time, noting the total duration it took to complete the count.
Interpreting Results and When to Contact a Provider
A successful count means the baby achieved 10 movements within the two-hour period. Over several days, this process establishes the unique baseline for that pregnancy by determining the average time it takes to reach 10 movements. This individual baseline is more informative than any generalized standard, as movement patterns vary significantly between babies.
If the baby fails to reach 10 movements within the two-hour window, the first step is to attempt to encourage movement. This involves changing the parent’s position, such as shifting to the left-side lying position, or consuming a small snack or cold drink to stimulate the baby. After these steps, the parent should attempt the count again for a second time.
A concerning count occurs if the baby still does not achieve 10 movements in the second attempt, or if there is a noticeable decrease in the strength or frequency of movements over several days. In these situations, the parent must contact their healthcare provider immediately for guidance. The provider may recommend further testing, such as a non-stress test or ultrasound, to quickly assess the baby’s condition.