Baby Kick Count in Pregnancy: How to Do It and When to Call (Video)

2:03 min

Read the full written guide: Baby Kick Count in Pregnancy: How to Do It and When to Call →

Learn a simple daily routine to count your baby’s movements, understand what’s normal, and discover the exact moment you should call your midwife or hospital. This video breaks down the steps, highlights common myths, and shows you when a quick call can make a difference.

All information is for general guidance only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. For the full article, visit thecareonline.com.

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Transcript

Did you know ten baby kicks matter?

Did you know ten baby kicks matter?

Kick Count Basics

Stay tuned to learn a simple way to count your baby’s kicks and the crucial step you must take if they change. We’ll show you how to do it daily, what’s normal, and when a quick call can protect your little one.

Why movements matter

A baby gets oxygen and nutrition through the placenta, and movement is a sign it’s working well. When the placenta struggles, the baby often moves less to conserve energy, sometimes days before any other warning signs appear.

Typical count

Most women notice about ten distinct movements within a two-hour window when the baby is most active. That’s the benchmark many use to feel reassured each day.

How to do a kick count

Pick the time your baby usually moves, many choose the evening after dinner. Lie left side or sit with feet up; avoid lying flat on your back. Hand on belly, turn off distractions, count each kick, roll, jab or swish. A flurry counts as one.

What a change looks like

If the baby who usually kicks after dinner is silent, that’s a red flag. Weaker, flutter-like movements instead of strong kicks also signal change. A sudden burst of wild motion followed by quietness should prompt a call, even if you’re unsure.

When to start

Begin counting around the twenty-eighth week of pregnancy and keep the routine every day. Starting then helps you learn your baby’s normal pattern before labor begins.

The one thing to do

If you notice fewer, weaker, or slower movements than usual after 24 weeks, call your hospital or midwife the same day, day or night. If you feel no movement at all, go straight to the labour ward or emergency.

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Read the full guide

The full guide is on thecareonline.com. General information only, so check with your doctor for your own case.

Nothing on The Care Online is medical advice. Traditional practices are described as tradition, not as fact. Take a persistent or serious concern to a qualified professional. See how videos and posts are made on our methodology page.