How to count your baby's kicks in the womb? Let's talk about "Kick Counts"!

One of the most cherished and beautiful experiences you can have during pregnancy is feeling your little one move and kick inside your womb. Isn't it a very special feeling? But did you know that it's also very important to be a little vigilant about your baby's movements and count them? Today, we're going to talk about "kick counts," or counting your baby's movements. Don't worry, it's very simple.

What does counting baby movements really mean?

Simply put, counting your baby's movements means you can keep track of how often and how your baby moves inside your womb. Doctors also call this " fetal movement counting ." The baby kicking, turning, and feeling like it's jumping up and down are all movements.

There are two main ways to count movements in this way:

• Counting how many baby movements you feel in an hour.
• Seeing how long it takes for the baby to move ten times.

You usually start to feel your baby move around 20 weeks into your pregnancy . But if this is your first pregnancy , it may be a little later. For a mother who has had a baby before, you may feel it a little earlier. Every baby moves differently, and at different times. By the third trimester, around 28 weeks of pregnancy , you should be able to get a good idea of ​​your baby's movements and a pattern.

It's very important to talk about your baby's movements every time you see the doctor. That way, the doctor can get a better understanding of your baby's development.

How do you feel these baby "kicks" or movements?

The movements you feel at first are very subtle. They may feel like a butterfly fluttering or a small bubble floating in your belly. Some mothers say it feels like someone is gently tapping you from the inside. Because your baby is small, his movements are not very strong at first. These movements change as your baby gets older, and they become very strong, especially in the third trimester (weeks 28 to 40).

Don't worry if you can't understand exactly what it feels like at first. Over time, you'll be able to better recognize your baby's movement patterns and the times when he's struggling the most.

Why do we need to count this baby's movements?

This is a very important question. Counting your baby's movements will help you keep an eye on his well-being. If you know what is normal for your baby, you can quickly recognize any changes. Sometimes, a decrease in baby's movements can be an early sign that he is under some stress. Or it can also be a sign that there is a problem during pregnancy. So, if you know your baby's normal activity, you can quickly inform the doctor if you notice any changes.

A baby moving around in the womb is a good sign that he is healthy and growing well. However, even healthy babies can have problems sometimes. That's why knowing what is normal for your baby can help you identify potential problems early. If a baby who is usually moving around well suddenly stops moving, it may be a cause for concern to your doctor.

When should we start counting these movements?

It's a good idea to keep track of your baby's movements throughout your pregnancy. But it's especially important to count your baby's movements during the third trimester (between weeks 28 and 40) . This is because a decrease in movements during this time can be a sign that your baby is under some stress. Talk to your doctor about when you should start counting your baby's movements and how many movements you should expect per day. This can vary from mother to mother and from baby to baby. It's up to you and your doctor to decide what's normal for you.

Okay, how do we count these moves?

There are several ways to do this. You can use an app on your phone, or you can do it with a watch and a piece of paper.

Generally, a baby moving ten times (i.e. kicking, rolling over, and shaking) within an hour is considered a good level.

But, don't worry if you haven't moved ten times in an hour. That doesn't always mean there's a problem. It can sometimes take a little more than an hour to move ten times. That's usually okay, and nothing to worry about.

Here's how to count moves:

1. Choose a time when you have the most freedom and when you think your baby is moving the most. Maybe after a feeding.

2. Get comfortable. If possible, lie on your left side, or sit in a chair with your legs slightly elevated. Lying on your left side maximizes blood flow to the baby.

3. Place your hands on your stomach.

4. Start checking the time. Use a watch or the timer on your phone.

5. Count every movement of the baby.

6. Continue counting until you have 10 movements.

7. After completing the 10 movements, write down how long (in minutes) it took.

Another way is to set a timer for an hour, take a piece of paper, and after the timer starts, draw a line on the paper every time the baby moves. When the hour is up, add up the number of lines you drew. Remember, we are only looking at about 10 movements in an hour.

By counting movements like this for a few days, you will get a sense of your baby's patterns and what is normal for him. Every baby is different. You will find out what is normal for your baby. Once you know that, if you notice a big change in your baby's movements, you can call the doctor right away.

How many movements should you feel per day?

Doctors have different opinions on this. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends counting the time it takes for the baby to move ten times (i.e. kicks, turns, and kicks). It is generally considered good if you feel 10 movements within two hours.

However, if you haven't felt 10 movements after two hours, don't worry. There are ways to "wake up" your baby a little, or you can try again when your baby is more active.

But if you still don't feel the baby moving, it's best to call your doctor for advice.

When does the baby move the most?

Babies are amazing, and so are their movements. You may notice that your baby moves more at certain times of the day. You may notice that your baby moves more after you have eaten. This is because your blood sugar level , or glucose, increases. Others may notice that their baby moves more at night when they go to sleep. You may not notice your baby moving during the day because you are busy with work or other children.

Babies also tend to be more active at night. Experts believe that when you move around during the day, the baby may be moving around in the womb and falling asleep.

How do you "get" your baby to count movements?

It's easy to count movements once you know when your baby is most active during the day. But even then, sometimes your baby won't "cooperate" with you. There are a few things you can try to get your baby moving during these times:

• Take a walk, or move your body a little.
• Drink something sweet, like fruit juice .
• Have a meal.
• Lie down on your left side (this increases blood flow to the baby).
• Listen to music a little louder (but not so loud that it makes the baby squirm!).

When should you be concerned if your heart rate decreases?

Don't be alarmed if your baby hasn't moved for a few hours. Just like you, your baby has periods of rest, sleep, and activity – that's normal.

In some cases, you may need to count your baby's movements for two hours instead of one. If you haven't felt 10 movements after two hours, it's best to let your doctor know. He or she will review your pregnancy and health history and decide if further testing is needed.

Remember, counting these movements shouldn't be stressful for you. Talk to your obstetrician or midwife about how many movements you can expect per day and what things to watch for. If your pregnancy is healthy and your baby is growing well, there's no need to worry about tracking your baby's movements.

When should I see the doctor?

If your baby's movements suddenly change, decrease, or seem to have stopped altogether , call your doctor right away. In most cases, a decrease in baby's movements may not be a sign of a problem. However, it's better to be safe than sorry. Your doctor may check your baby's heartbeat or do an ultrasound scan to make sure everything is okay.

Do movements decrease as the baby gets closer to being born?

No, movements do not decrease as you get closer to delivery. Once your baby is fully developed (around 39 weeks), you may feel more movements, such as kicking, rather than kicking. Some people mistake this for decreased movements, but it is actually just a different type of movement. The total number of movements you feel per day should remain the same. Remember, only you know what is normal for your baby. If you notice any changes in your baby's movements, tell your doctor.

Finally, things to remember (Take-Home Message)

Counting your baby's movements, also known as "kick counts," is a valuable way to find out how your baby is doing inside your womb. A decrease in movements can sometimes be an early warning sign of a problem during pregnancy. This isn't always the case. But if you know your baby's normal pattern, the number of movements you usually have, you can spot changes quickly.

Count the movements, check the time, and count the movements (kicks, flips, and kicks) you feel over the course of an hour. If you have any concerns or concerns about your baby's movements, talk to your doctor right away. They can check you and your baby to make sure everything is going well.

Best wishes on your journey! May you soon have a healthy, playful baby!