By keeping track of each time your baby kicks, rolls or pokes, you can monitor your baby’s health and begin to create a bond with him or her.
The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends you begin counting the kicks at your 28th week, or at 26 weeks if you are high risk or pregnant with multiples. As a parent, it’s reassuring to perform a fetal kick count to make sure your baby is active and healthy.
- Perform a kick count every day, preferably at the same time.
- Pick your time based on when your baby is usually active, such as after a snack or meal.
- To get started, be sure you have some time to spend to really concentrate on the baby’s movements. Sit in a quiet room and put your feet up or lay on your side. Make sure your baby is awake by pushing on your belly or drinking a cold beverage.
- Count the time it takes for your baby to make 10 movements. A movement includes kicks, rolls, jabs, twists, turns, and switches. Hiccups are not considered a movement.
- Your baby should move 10 times in less than 2 hours. Most of the time it will take less than a half-hour, but it could take as long as two hours.
- Contact us immediately if you do not count 10 movements in 2 hours or if there is a significant change from your baby’s usual movement.For more information or to download a count sheet or phone app, go to http://www.countthekicks.org