How to use the kick counter

Active babies are usually healthy babies. Babies have sleep and wake cycles in the uterus. They usually sleep short periods of 40-60 minutes at a time, but most of the time they will kick, roll, twist and turn.

From about 28 weeks, pay attention to your baby's movements on a daily basis, until delivery. We call this doing your ‘kick counts’. Once a day, lie down on your side. Count movements until you have felt 10 ‘kicks’. A ‘kick’ is any kick, roll or punch your baby makes.

There is a common misconception that you should be feeling 10 kicks over a set period, this is no longer recommended as all babies are different. Baby’s movements can vary from 4 to over 100 every hour, depending if they are awake or asleep.

However, regularly counting the time it takes to reach 10 kicks will make you more aware of your baby’s movements.

If you notice your baby is moving less than usual, or if you've noticed a change in the pattern of movements, it may be the first sign that your baby is unwell. You should contact your midwife or local maternity unit immediately so your baby's wellbeing can be assessed. There's no specific number of movements that's considered to be normal. What's important is noticing and telling your midwife about any reduction or change in your baby's normal movements.

Doctors and midwives usually recommend that you begin monitoring your baby’s movements around the 7th month of pregnancy (about 28 weeks). Around this time you will get to know your baby’s movement pattern much better, so you will be able to report any changes to your care provider.

There are different ways to monitor a baby’s movement, therefore ask your prenatal care provider which method he or she prefers.

Counting your baby’s movements:
What to do if my baby doesn’t move as usual?

If you notice your baby is moving less than usual, or if you've noticed a change in the pattern of movements, contact your healthcare provider for further evaluation, such as a non-stress test or biophysical profile, to determine the baby’s condition within the uterus.