Monitoring Baby's Movement - Count the Kicks
By monitoring a baby’s daily movements in the womb, expectant parents obtain a better understanding of their baby’s health in the third trimester. Research has shown simply tracking the frequency of kicks the baby is producing is one of the earliest and sometimes the only indication that a baby is in utero distress.
The free Count the Kicks! App is a powerful, stress-relieving tool that collects accurate kicks session counts and archives information to create an on-going timeline.
With an intuitive design, Count the Kicks! App is thorough and effective with just a few steps ;
- Pick a time when your baby is active
- Log into Count the Kicks App and track how long it takes to get 10 movements
- Call your provider right away if you notice a change in what’s normal for your baby
Download the Count the Kicks! App today.
Why Fetal Movement Counting is Important
Fetal movement, often called kick counting movements, is one important indicator of fetal health. Contrary to a common myth, it is not normal for a fetus to stop moving with the onset of labor.
By 20 weeks gestation, most women can feel their baby's kicks. Each woman should find the usual pattern and number of movements for her own pregnancy.
Fetal movement counting can vary in:
- Frequency
- Strength
- Patterns depending on the maturity of the fetus
When to Count Fetal Movements
It’s essential for parents to set aside the same time each day to do the counting.
Keep in mind, a fetus may be more active about an hour after the mother eats due to the increase in blood glucose (sugar) in the mother's blood. Hiccups are also quite common.
Generally, most fetuses have circadian (biologically timed) activity rhythms and tend to be more active in the evening hours, beginning as early as the second trimester.
If your baby is not moving as much as usual or takes longer to move in the usual length of time, or has stopped moving, call your doctor right away. Other testing can be done to check the condition of the baby.
Consult your provider about the importance of fetal movement counting for your pregnancy.