Kick Counts

What is kick counting in pregnancy?

Counting kicks (fetal movement counting) is a way to monitor your pregnancy. It involves tracking fetal kicks and movements. Changes in movement patterns can sometimes be a sign of a problem. Knowing what feels normal for you can help you sense when something seems off.

The two main ways to track fetal kicks are:

• Count the number of kicks you feel in one hour.
• Measure the amount of time it takes to feel 10 kicks.

During pregnancy, you'll most likely begin feeling kicks at 20 weeks. If it’s your first pregnancy, it might be later. If you’ve been pregnant before, you might feel movement a little sooner. Movement can happen at different times and in different ways. By the third trimester (around 28 weeks), you’ll usually start to notice a regular pattern.

Your pregnancy care provider will probably ask you if you feel regular kicks and movement, especially later in pregnancy.

What do kicks feel like?

Kicks from inside your uterus feel soft and may be difficult to notice (especially the first movements). They’ll feel gentle. Some people describe kicks as flutters, swishes, rolls, jabs or butterflies. These movements usually become stronger and more noticeable during the third trimester (28 to 40 weeks).

Why should I count kicks?

Kick counting helps you become more aware of movement patterns during pregnancy. Once you know what feels normal for you, it’s easier to notice changes. Regular movement is usually a good sign, but decreased fetal movement can sometimes be a sign that something needs attention. If movement slows down or feels very different, let your healthcare provider know.

When do you start kick counts in pregnancy?

Kick counting becomes more important in the third trimester, when changes in movement can sometimes signal a problem. Talk with your healthcare provider about when to start and what’s normal for you. Everyone’s pregnancy is different, so your provider can help guide you.

How do I count kicks?

There are a few ways to count kicks. Using a kick tracking app on your phone may help, or you can use a timer and a piece of paper.

Ten movements (kicks, flutters or rolls) in one or two hours is considered typical fetal movement. Don’t panic if you don’t feel 10 movements in one hour. Feeling fewer than 10 kicks doesn’t mean something is wrong. It may also take a little longer. This is usually OK and not a reason to worry.

Here are the steps:

1. Choose a time when you’re least distracted or when you typically feel movement.
2. A good time to feel movement may be when you sit down for a meal.
3. Get comfortable. Lie on your left side or sit with your feet propped up.
4. Place your hands on your belly.
5. Start a timer.
6. Count each kick. Keep counting until you get to 10 kicks.
7. Once you reach 10 kicks, jot down how many minutes it took.

Another way is to set a timer for one hour and grab a piece of paper. Once the timer starts, make a mark on the paper each time you feel a kick. Finally, tally up the number of marks you’ve made.

After a few days of kick counting, you’ll notice patterns and what’s normal. Once you know that, you can call your healthcare provider if you notice significant shifts in fetal movement patterns.

How many kick counts are normal?

Healthcare providers have different opinions on how many movements you’re looking for within a set amount of time. For example, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that you see if you feel 10 kicks, flutters, swishes or rolls within two hours.

If you don’t feel 10 movements in two hours, it’s OK. You can try again later. If you still can’t feel movement, contact your healthcare provider for advice.

When should I feel the kicks the most?

Movement patterns during pregnancy can be different for everyone. You may notice more movement at certain times of day, like after eating a meal or when you’re in bed at night. Some people feel less movement during the day because they’re busy and more aware of it at night.

How do I get the baby to move?

Sometimes, it can take a while to feel a kick, flutter or jab. If you haven’t felt movement, you can try:

• Taking a walk or moving your body
• Drinking juice or another sweet beverage
• Eating a meal
• Lying down on your left side (this maximizes blood flow)
• Playing loud music

When should I worry about kick counts?

Try not to worry if you haven’t felt a kick for several hours. It’s normal for there to be periods of rest, sleep and activity — just like your own daily movements.

In some cases, you may just need to increase the time to two hours instead of one hour. If after two hours you haven’t felt 10 movements, it might be time to let your healthcare provider know. They can decide if more monitoring is necessary.

Remember, kick counting shouldn’t make you stressed. Talk to your obstetrician or midwife to see how many kicks you can expect to feel each day and what to watch for. If your pregnancy is healthy, monitoring fetal movement shouldn’t be something to worry about.

When should I contact my doctor?

There isn’t a single rule for how long is too long without feeling movement. What matters most is what feels normal for you. If movement slows down or feels very different, it’s a good idea to call your pregnancy care provider. Most of the time, changes in movement aren’t a sign of a serious problem — but checking can help give you peace of mind.