kick counting...

[MrsMar]

when are you supposed to start kick counting (if at all?) I'm 22+6, I'm not due to see my gp until next week and no one has mentioned anything about kick counting. I've been having very regular sessions of kicking, in a very predictable pattern, often very vigorous after a meal, but since yesterday I haven't really had much at all. I had a couple of feeble kicks after dinner last night, nothing after breakfast this morning and just had one tiny little kick this morning since getting to work. Should I be worrying, or is it normal for them to come and go at this stage? The baby's been in such a regular pattern for a couple of weeks now, this quietness is a bit disquieting!

No way. Only count later, can't remeber how many weeks, 30 or something. Baby has done this to me SO many times...on one occasion on holiday I was almost ready to get myself down to the hospital in Barbados but knew in the back of my mind it was too early to worry and later on that night she was back to jumping around again. Some days they will be quiet, it's perfectly normal.

the advice i've been given is from 28 weeks to count twice a day - once in the morning and once at night. you should get 10 kicks in a 2 hour period (very often you'll get this in the first 2 minutes!!) but if nothing happens after an hour or so have something to eat/drink and lie down.

if you're busy then you are unlikely to feel movements at this stage as if you are in constant motion then this helps baby to sleep.

Thanks for swift replies edie and myweegirl. I kinda thought it was a bit too early, and considering I had a good scan only last thursday, I just wondered if I was having YET another pregnancy panic, but the quietness is eerie. I was really drained yesterday, went away for the weekend, forgot to take my spatone for two days, been rushing around a bit, I just wondered if he was as tired as I was!! I still haven't had anything I'd call a proper kick since yesterday... why do they put us through all this stress and worry????

I have to say that at 22 weeks, I also took myself off to the MW cos I was worrying (now 37 weeks). I have been completely paranoid about movements.

I was told 22 weeks was too early - still plenty of room to move around etc. However, they were still very good and patient with me as a neuortic first timer and put the small monitor on to reassure me and told me I could go up there any time I liked.

I've been twice more since then for similar reasons, and was told after 28 weeks to be more vigilant. But, like you, at 22 weeks there was a pattern - and one night it changed.

If you're worried, it won't be good for the baby, ring your midwife and I'm sure she'll put your mind at rest.

This pg no one has mentioned doing the kick counting, ( I am in germany, but on a british camp so have british midwifes). I am 32+2weeks

Hi
No one mentioned to me about actually counting the kicks either. MW said be aware of your babies movements and if you don't feel them/ they slow down then call the hospital. Mine seems to go in a routine- a couple of days of really constant moving and then a couple of days of less movement. At first I panicked but this has been the way its been the whole way through. Of course even on slow days I still get quite a few movements but don't count them.
I think you will know if something is wrong. Also, depending on placenta position/ baby position you will probably not feel them all. Plus at around 30-32 weeks you will feel less kicks and more squirms as baby tries to get comfy (she says as baby gives her a massive boot in the side...)

PPS (31+3) XXX

My doctor just says that anything that is out of the ordinary for you deserves a call. Not all babies will move a certain amount of times in a given time period.

I'm 39 weeks and have found that some days I feel a lot of movement and others I don't. It also depends on your activity level, because on days that you're busy you may not notice the movements even though they are there.

Hi guys, thanks for your experiences. I've been at work all day, so sitting at a desk, and I did get a couple of kicks after lunch while I closed my eyes for ten mins (the joys of own office!!) so I know he's still in there, but he's definitely less active today. I suppose I can't say if that's part of a pattern yet because I've only really had about 10 days of proper kicking. Maybe he's just having an off day, as indeed I am!!!