Kick Counts

Many medical authorities today suggest that fetal activity levels say a lot about your baby’s well being. Beginning around the 28th week of pregnancy you may be asked to record your baby’s kick counts. This is a helpful way to keep us informed of your baby’s health. Babies have sleep and wake cycles lasting from 20 minutes to 2 hours. Movement is usually more noticeable during mid pregnancy than later pregnancy. Certain authorities feel that fewer than 10 movements in a 12-hour period are cause for concern and further evaluation. Some feel that fewer than 4 movements in one hour are worrisome. Unfortunately, there is no consensus on a critical level of fetal movement. However, it is certain that fetal activity is generally reassuring and that fetal inactivity does need further evaluation. Please let us know if you feel that your baby’s activity has diminished from his/her usual pattern.

Most babies have a rhythm that is typical for him/her, and each mother has a different ability to recognize her baby’s movements. You can start this chart at any time during the day, and once you have reached 10 movements, you can stop. Keep your baby’s sleep and wake patterns in mind when counting movements.

If you feel a decrease in activity, have a glass of juice or soda, lie down on your left side, and count your baby’s movements for an hour. If you do not feel your baby moving at least 4 times in an hour, you should notify the office or the physician on call.

Kick Count Record