Does a single kick count as a session?

[gingerninja85]

Hi ladies!

I'm 26 weeks today and been in for reduced movements twice in the last two weeks.

I'd started feeling kicks from 18 weeks and from then to around 24ish weeks she had a pretty clear pattern of kicking after meals and when Im lying in bed. In fact, it felt like any time I took notice I could feel kicks.

Between 24-26 weeks it all seems to have slowed down a lot. Less kicks and much more softer with only the odd strong kick. Bith times when I'd been in for reduced movements she was fine (only checked via doppler because of being under 26 weeks). So I'm wondering whether before was actually too early to find a pattern and maybe shes establishing a pattern now of less kicks, less regularly? Is this something you guys have noticed at all?

She is still kicking at times so Im not extremely worried but it does play on my mind and of course if I dont feel her for a while I will be going in to get checked.

So I guess my question/s is/are:
When did your babies establish a proper pattern? Did it change throughout pregnancy?

I know all babies are different but how often do you get a kicking 'session' per day?

When counting a 'session' on the kicks count app, do you record it if you just get a single kick and nothing else? Or is it best to save it for multiple kicks and movements?

Thanks in advance! x

I would say a kick counts as a session. Keep in mind that as the baby grows the movements will feel completely different, the movements become slower (not in frequency) but for example, instead of a short sharp kick or somersault, you’ll start to feeling more of a rolling sensation and individual slower limb movements, like the baby wriggling it’s head or moving it’s arm into another position. I found that my baby never really had an exact pattern as such, they never moved at the same time everyday but I would know if I hadn’t felt anything for a few hours that wasn’t normal.

So apparently "count the kicks" is outdated now. My baby had absolutely no pattern, except the pattern of when I went into be monitored (about 15 times) she'd suddenly start doing what felt like the can can in my womb.

If you're concerned, have a cold drink, something sugary, be a bit active then lie down, close your eyes and breathe. If you still struggle to feel anything after an hour then maybe call triage. Don't forget babies sleep in the womb too!

I was dreadfully nervous about movements (previous losses)! So I absolutely feel your concern.

All the best x

@gingerninja85 i'm 25 weeks today and have really noticed a difference too! Very similar to you I felt kicks and movements really sharp and regularly and in the last week or so they seem a bit less strong and perhaps not as frequent. I've got an anterior placenta so wondered whether they've just changed position so it's more cushioned now!

The charity changed its name from 'count the kicks' to 'kicks count' as there was too much emphasis on actual number of kicks rather than the general normal pattern of movement. There is lots of information on their website
www.kickscount.org.uk/your-babys-movements
Whilst it's very important to be aware of movements and frequency, they generally don't settle into a specific pattern until around 32 weeks.
Good luck OP!

At my maternity appointment last week they said not to count kicks, you should just try and understand when your baby moves. I’m 28 weeks and I find that if I’ve had a slow day (lazy weekend or sofa day) baby can also be quite quiet and sleepy. I’m a teacher and have taught 6 lessons today rushing about my secondary school and have felt baby moving pretty much all day.

Maybe it’s something to do with your activity levels?

Baby won’t have a pattern until around 28 weeks, they don’t tend to emphasise kicks so much now, more look out for any type of movement. Mine was kicking loads, now at 26 weeks seems to have stopped kicking so much but there’s movements Throughout the day