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A fetal kick count, counting the fetal movements, is among the most important observation to ensure the baby's health. Every pregnant woman should learn how to count her fetus' movements.

The fetal kick count is done usually after 24 weeks of the pregnancy to monitor the fetal health. There are many different ways to do a kick count.

Here is one method to do the Kick Count (Download the graph HERE):

  • Count fetal movements once a day, preferably at the same time every day and within 1 to 2 hours after a meal. Early evening after dinner is a good time because the fetus is usually more active then.
  • Get a sheet of paper and pen to indicate the movements.
  • Have a clock or watch nearby to observe the time passed.
  • Lie on your side while counting, preferably on your left side.
  • Mark down the start time.
  • Count any movement you feel -- a roll, a kick, or a "swish" -- except for the smallest flutters.
  • Count until you have felt ten fetal movements.
  • Ideally, you want to feel at least 10 movements within 2 hours. Most likely you will feel 10 movements in much less time
  • Mark down the finish time, and the total amount of time it took to count the ten movements..

Although several counting protocols have been employed, neither the optimal number of movements nor the ideal duration for counting movements has been defined.

Download the graph HERE

There are numerous ways to count your baby's movements and numerous opinions on how many movements you are looking for within a certain amount of time. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that  the woman lie on her side and counts distinct fetal movements. You time how long it takes you to feel 10 kicks, flutters, swishes or rolls. Perception of 10 distinct movements in a period of up to 2 hours is considered reassuring.  

The count is considered reassuring if it equals or exceeds the woman's previously established baseline count. In the absence of a reassuring count, further fetal assessment is recommended.

Most women will feel the four movements well below one hour.

Talk to your doctor or midwife about what you should do if there's a problem with the fetus's movements. Many providers ask their patients to contact them or go to the labor and delivery unit if:

  • You don't feel your baby move all day.
  • It takes progressively longer from one day to the next to count four movements.
  • It takes more than an hour to count four movements.

You might want to start a notebook of your own or use a fetal kick chart like the one below. In a notebook or on your chart, record the time you start, place a check mark for the time of the 10th movement. This will help you observe patterns and discover how long it normally takes for your baby to move 10 times. Keep in mind that you are looking for significant deviations from the pattern.

When to do the kick count ?
Try to schedule the kick count during your baby's most active time of day, but also a time when you will be able to record movements over three or four hours, if needed. You will need to record movements starting from about the same time each day.

What is the best time and position to do the count ?

You may want to have a meal or snack before starting as you probably have noticed, food often makes your baby active. Alternatively, try a few minutes of exercise or take a brisk walk. Some moms prefer sitting with a good back rest with their arms holding their belly. Other moms prefer lying on their left side, which they find most effective for monitoring their baby. Lying on your left side also allows for the best circulation which could lead to a more active baby. Be sure you have a clock in view, and note on the kick count chart what time you start to record movements.

When should I call my physician or midwife ?

  • If you have followed the above recommendations and have not felt 10 kicks by the end of the second hour, wait a few hours and try again. If after trying a second time, you do not feel 10 movements within 2 hours you should contact your health care provider.
  • If you notice a significant deviation from the pattern over the course of 3 to 4 days.
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