Kick counting is the daily systematic recording of a mom’s perception of her baby’s movement during the third trimester and is a reliable, simple and effective way to monitor a baby’s well-being. Kick counting can document changes in the fetal movement pattern and can help moms-to-be notify their healthcare provider of potential problems.
Fetal movement is an important sign of a baby’s health. Studies have shown that decreased fetal movements are associated with pregnancy complications, including growth problems, preterm birth and stillbirth. The use of kick count charts help decrease the risk of stillbirth by reducing the delay in intervention.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that expectant mothers note the time it takes for their baby to complete ten movements, at approximately the same time each day when the baby is usually most active. Movements include kicks, turns, twists, swishes, …show more content…
Moms should alert their healthcare provider immediately if the baby’s normal pattern changes or if the baby takes more than two hours to complete ten movements.
Kick Counting: How should I Count the Kicks?
• If your healthcare provider has determined your pregnancy to be high-risk, start kick counting at 24 weeks. Otherwise, begin at 28 weeks.
• Do kick counting about the same time each day during the time period when your baby is usually active.
• Get in a comfortable sitting or lying position. Relax and dedicate this time to feel your baby’s precious movements.
• You may want to rest your or your partner’s hands on your abdomen to better feel the movements. Your ability to feel the baby depends on the thickness of your abdominal wall, placental location and your sensitivity to the movements.
• Jot down the time of the baby’s first movement and the time of the 10th movement. Most babies take less than 15
Fetal movement is an important sign of a baby’s health. Studies have shown that decreased fetal movements are associated with pregnancy complications, including growth problems, preterm birth and stillbirth. The use of kick count charts help decrease the risk of stillbirth by reducing the delay in intervention.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that expectant mothers note the time it takes for their baby to complete ten movements, at approximately the same time each day when the baby is usually most active. Movements include kicks, turns, twists, swishes, …show more content…
Moms should alert their healthcare provider immediately if the baby’s normal pattern changes or if the baby takes more than two hours to complete ten movements.
Kick Counting: How should I Count the Kicks?
• If your healthcare provider has determined your pregnancy to be high-risk, start kick counting at 24 weeks. Otherwise, begin at 28 weeks.
• Do kick counting about the same time each day during the time period when your baby is usually active.
• Get in a comfortable sitting or lying position. Relax and dedicate this time to feel your baby’s precious movements.
• You may want to rest your or your partner’s hands on your abdomen to better feel the movements. Your ability to feel the baby depends on the thickness of your abdominal wall, placental location and your sensitivity to the movements.
• Jot down the time of the baby’s first movement and the time of the 10th movement. Most babies take less than 15