Counting the kicks - lots of Q's

[Dogsmom]

I'm 18 weeks pregnant and have started feeling the baby move this week and the last 2 days can feel her frequently, I've read that we should count the kicks so we can spot if the movement reduces.

It's my first so don't know how to do it, do I just count every definite kick or the bubbly feelings too? and do I count per hour then record it or a whole days worth? Where do people record it? Does the baby sleep and does this usually happen at certain times? what's a 'normal' amount of kicks and finally do I contact the midwife is the kicks slow or if they stop altogether and if they did stop how long would I give it before I got checked out?

sorry for all the questions

The general rule seems to be that you only need to count the kicks if you think there has been a change in usual number of movements from the baby. So for now, just get used to how often your baby moves and the regular times (usually move more after meals, you might find your baby moves in the evening when you're flopped on the sofa, etc). Then if you feel a change in movement from what was usual, you need to get in contact with midwife or hospital ASAP for advice ( then they'll either ask you to come in, or give you more info on counting the kicks).

I don't think you can/ should really start counting kicks until about 28 weeks. I'm 26 and last week my midwife said it was a bit early to worry about it yet.

The idea of counting, is not to feel an amount as that can be counter-productive, both in terms of instilling undue worry, or false reassurance.

The idea is to know your baby. Recognise the baby's patterns of sleep, and wakefulness.

All babies differ, and what is right for one baby, could be abnormal for another.

It is very early to worry unnecesarily yet though. The recommendation is to start noticing at 28 weeks. However, there is no harm in being aware now. The only caveat is, that between 18 & 28 weeks, a baby will change a lot in size, and in routine, so to look for a routine now could cause worry when there shouldn't be.

The best thing to do, is just be aware of movements. As the baby establishes a routine, you will be aware of that. It is at that point that you should seek urgent help if the baby deviates from this - this would typically be later on though, as I said at the moment baby probably doesn't have a routine.

I wouldn't start yet or it'll cause lots of worry. You could still have days/weeks when you don't feel baby at all or feel very little. I'm 30 weeks tomorrow and have only just got into some kind of pattern that I can fairly reliably time. I'd say by the time you should be looking for patterns of movement if all is well you'll be totally used to them.

You don't start counting until 28/29 weeks apparently. I don't count them, just keep an eye on his routine

And it's not 'kicks' as such but movements. They only call the campaign count the kicks because of the memorable alliteration. Many babies never really kick as such but roll about, push down, push outwards, wriggle, hiccup etc it will be many more weeks yet until you're able to pick up on your baby's particular ways of moving and usual times of day. Don't worry about it yet, just enjoly those funny fluttery sensations and little wriggles for now.