Why is kick count important

This is often called a "kick count. A change could be a sign of a problem. A common way to do a kick count is to see how much time it takes to feel 10 movements. Ten movements such as kicks, flutters, or rolls in 1 hour or less are considered normal.

But do not panic if you do not feel 10 movements. Less activity may simply mean the baby is sleeping. If an hour goes by and you have not recorded 10 movements, have something to eat or drink and count for another hour.

If you do not record 10 movements in the 2-hour period, call your doctor right away. Author: Healthwise Staff. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. It can instead help to pick up on decreased fetal movement and help prevent problems for the baby. Talk with your healthcare provider about when to do the counting. Set aside the same time each day to count movements. Babies have sleep cycles, so fetal kick counts may be done at any time of day.

After a meal is often a good time. There are several ways to do kick counts. And there are several guidelines for how many kicks are normal in a certain time. While your baby may just be sleeping or in a less obvious position, a drop in fetal movement can also signal anything from low amniotic fluid or a ruptured amniotic sac to a tangled umbilical cord.

Before then, the counts can be unreliable. Daily kick count sessions are easy to do: pick a time when you can relax and be quiet without distractions. Some mamas use kick-counting apps to help them track, and to have a record of the activity. Contact your health care provider. The same goes for changes in movement. The movements may become smaller the closer you get to delivery, as your little one runs out of womb to move around in, but you should still feel the same frequency of action.