How do you count the kicks?

[nicecupofteaforme]

Am 24 weeks so regularly feeling movement. Reading up on count the kicks and somewhat scary but made me feel should be monitoring movement more closely. Are you doing this? If so, how?

They have those little bands you can buy so thought about getting one of them.

I think the general consensus now is to be aware of your baby's routine from 28 weeks. It's not just kicks, it's being aware of all movements that you feel and checking for changes

The aim is 10 movements in 2 hours not counting hiccups from 28 weeks ... though you will gain a better picture of what is normal for your baby and use that as your guide!

I think current advice is against counting, but being aware of what is normal for your baby. They usually get into some pattern. Although I must admit I found it difficult during the day, as you move around and feel less, but usually clearer in the evenings/at night.

Latest advice says not so much counting but getting used tI your baby's pattern and looking for any deviation from this. Unfortunately my pattern was 'just after I've eaten' which meant I ended up eating every time I wanted to be reassured.

I never counted but got to know my baby's 'routine' and if I had reduced movement j kept an eye on it.
With dd1 I went in for monitoring for reduced movement on my due date as her pattern changed (she was fine).
The same with dd2 at 25 weeks as her pattern changed and again she wS fine but better to check.

I am ultra sad, I have a spreadsheet. If I feel a kick in that hour, I mark it on the spreadsheet under that time of day

24+4 here.

Mine also said no to actually counting kicks and just to monitor the movement. Mine has changed its movement in the last week as I think has shifted position. I can still feel him/her moving around regularly but no kicks at the bottom anymore.
Its led sideways and stretching its legs out as far as it can go, pushing feet to my right and head on the left. Not a nice feeling!

Can I just say, the 10 movements thing is now incorrect advice. You are to take notice of your babies pattern of movement and seek help if there are any changes. For example if your baby is active over breakfast, then quiet for a bit, active for a few hours in the afternoon etc but this changes, that is when you should be concerned.

My baby used to lie very still then really wiggle for 5 mins then be still for several hours. Tended to reserve the wiggling for places like the train where my tummy got wired looks as it started moving like something out of alien. Turns out it's just his nature. He is quite calm for ages then dashes about for a few minutes.

I have days where I hardly feel anything (generally days I'm working) but on days off it more than makes up for it.

Although I have noticed a worrying trend of baby trying to wake me about 6am-ish if I'm not up yet on my days off...... hoping this is not a future habit/waking up time of little person!!!!!

Agreed counting a set number of kicks is no longer recommended - it's all about recognising your baby's usual pattern and seeking help if you think there has been a change.

I don't think either of mine kicked or moved 10 times an hour.

Making me feel quite nostalgic about my bump and how I used to prod them just to get a little wiggle back.

I had an anterior placenta so it took ages before I felt anything and even after that DS was not that active so I knew that trying to count the kicks would only lead to worry for me. On the day I went into labour he actually stopped moving so I had to go and get checked out but he was fine and is now a very active 13 month old. So his lack of movement in utero was in no way reflective of how he'd be once he was out!

NHS advice is against counting as there is no known number of kicks considered safe/unsafe. It also increases maternal anxiety

Just get to know your babies routine and be aware of any changes.