Doctors usually advise pregnant women to learn to count fetal kicks in the third trimester of pregnancy, or earlier if the pregnancy is high-risk. Baby kicks are calculated to determine the baby's movements in the womb. By knowing the baby's movements, the mother can tell the difference between the baby's normal movements and those that might signal a condition to worry about.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Recognizing Fetal Kicks
Step 1. Understand what the number of "kicks" is
The number of fetal kicks is the number of movements made by the fetus, such as hitting, punching, rolling, and turning. However, hiccups are not included. If the number of fetal kicks is abnormal, it could be a sign of a problem with the fetus.
- Remember that even if the movement is reduced, the baby can still be healthy.
- Fetal kick counts can also help you learn about your baby's sleep and wake cycles, and are a great way to bond with your baby before he's born.
Step 2. Know when to start counting
Doctors advise expectant mothers to start counting "kicks" in the third trimester, usually around week 28. Babies usually become very active between the 18th and 25th weeks.
- In your first pregnancy, you may not notice your baby kicking until close to your 25th week. The baby actually moves, but you don't feel it.
- In the second or third pregnancy, the baby usually starts kicking around the 18th week.
- For high-risk pregnancies, doctors advise mothers to start recording fetal kicks at 26 weeks.
Step 3. Look for patterns
Initially, it is difficult to distinguish gas and discomfort due to fetal kicks. However, a healthy baby will soon show a pattern of movement, being active at certain hours and resting at other times. This pattern will be recognized by the mother.
In the third trimester, the baby begins to show a wake and sleep cycle. When he wakes up, he will often kick (at least 10 times in 2 hours). When he sleeps, he will be quiet. You should be able to identify your baby's sleeping and waking patterns by feeling his kicks
Step 4. Remember to be proactive
After identifying the fetal kick pattern, monitor it closely. You should count the fetal kicks once a day after the 28th week as a way to monitor the baby's health.
Always record the number of kicks in a journal or notebook. More about this process can be found in section 2
Step 5. Don't panic
If your baby doesn't kick the first time you count, you may need to call your doctor to check and make sure all is well. Although babies have patterns of movement in the womb, they are uncertain and can change from day to day.
You can also induce the fetus to move by eating or drinking something sweet, such as juice
Step 6. Know when to seek help
If you don't see a clear pattern between 28 and 29 weeks, you should schedule an appointment with your obstetrician immediately. In addition, if the pattern appears after the 28th week, but suddenly stops or changes drastically, you need to contact your doctor as soon as possible to find out if there is a problem with the pregnancy. There are a number of reasons the fetus does not kick. However, the following medical problems have been associated with no kick:
- The baby is not getting enough oxygen.
- The baby moves into awkward positions, such as breech or transverse. This change in position is normal and may result in reduced fetal movement.
- The baby dies in the womb.
Part 2 of 2: Counting Fetal Kicks
Step 1. Create a note or table
This is very important so that you can record the time it takes your baby to move. It's a good idea to record all the baby's movements in a book or binder with a table for easy access.
Step 2. Know when your baby is most active
Each baby has specific times that are most active, such as after you eat or drink sugary drinks, after you are very active, or at certain times. Once you've identified when your baby is most active, use that time to chart the number of fetal kicks.
In most pregnancies, the baby is most active between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m. because this is when the mother is relaxed enough to pay attention to the baby's movements
Step 3. Make sure you are comfortable
Find a comfortable position that allows you to relax and feel your baby's movements. Remember that you should still write while in this position.
- The ideal position is to lie on your side, with your head comfortably supported by a pillow. This position helps you feel the kick better.
- You can also sit in a recliner with your legs raised. This position is not only comfortable, but you can still feel the baby kick.
- After counting, write down the week of your pregnancy, as well as the day and time the counting started.
Step 4. Start counting fetal kicks
Each time the baby moves, make a check mark in the notebook or table.
- You just need to count to ten kicks, and record how long it took you to feel all ten.
- Write down the time of the first move, and the time of the tenth or last move.
Step 5. Write down how long it takes to reach ten moves
The baby should move at least ten times in two hours. Here's an example of how to record fetal kicks in a journal.
- WEEK 29
- Sunday, 27 Sep, 21.00, XXXXXXXXXX, 23.00, 2 hours
- Monday, 28 Sep, 9:15 p.m., XXXXXXXXXX, 10:45 p.m., 1 hour 30 minutes
- Tuesday, 29 Sep, 9 p.m., XXXXXXXXXX, 23.45, 1 hour 45 minutes
- Wednesday, 30 Sep, 21:30, XXXXXXXXXX, 22:45, 1 hour 15 minutes
- Thursday, 1 Oct, 21.00, XXXXXXXXXX, 22.30, 1 hour 30 minutes
Step 6. Get baby to move
If you don't feel your baby move ten times in two hours, try eating or drinking to see if the baby is moving.
You can record your baby's movements later if he seems to be inactive
Step 7. Know when to call the doctor
If after you eat, drink, or monitor fetal activity at any other time, the baby remains motionless at least ten times, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Tips
- Try moving or drinking, and see if the baby moves.
- Don't count fetal kicks when you know your baby is inactive, such as during the sleep cycle.
- Do the calculations at the same time each day once you find the best time.
- Distinguish between baby movements and gas in the intestines. Some women find it difficult to distinguish between the two. If you can't tell the difference yourself, ask your doctor for advice.
