The gynecologist typically recommends that the expectant mother learn to count fetal kicks during the third trimester or even earlier if she is having a high-risk pregnancy. This calculation is used to track the baby's movements in the womb and helps the woman to distinguish normal from those that may be cause for concern.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Recognizing Fetal Kicks
Step 1. Find out about the "kick" count
This procedure involves keeping track of the fetus's movements, such as blows, punches, rotations, bends or twists, but excludes hiccups. Calculating fetal movements each day helps doctors intervene if necessary, preventing the delivery of a stillborn baby and / or other serious complications. In addition to helping you learn about your baby's sleep / wake cycle, the fetal kick calculation also allows you to bond with your unborn baby before delivery.
Step 2. Know when to start
Gynecologists advise pregnant women to start this calculation during the third trimester, usually around the 28th week. The baby typically begins to move visibly between the eighteenth and twenty-fifth weeks.
- If this is the first pregnancy, the baby probably won't start kicking until she is 25 weeks old.
- If, on the other hand, you have already had one or two children, the fetus begins to move around the eighteenth.
- In the case of a high-risk pregnancy, gynecologists recommend that the mother begin documenting fetal kicks around the twenty-sixth week.
Step 3. Look for repetitive patterns
At first, it can be difficult to tell your gut problems from baby kicks. However, a healthy baby should quickly become a habit, so you will notice typical movement patterns: he will be active at certain times of the day and rest at other times instead. Such patterns soon become recognizable by the mother.
During the third trimester, the baby begins to experience sleep and wake cycles. When awake he should kick often (at least 10 times in two hours), while when he sleeps he is likely to remain still. You should be able to recognize their habits and understand when the baby is asleep or awake, based on the perception of the kicks
Step 4. Be proactive
Once you spot these repetitive patterns, you need to monitor them closely. You should count the fetal kicks at least once a day after the 28th week to check the baby's health.
Remember to always write down your kick count in a journal or notebook. For more details on this aspect, read the second part of the article
Step 5. Don't panic
If the baby does not kick the first time you start the count, relax. Simply wait for another time of day and try again. Although the baby is starting to develop habits, these are not so rigid or perfect patterns and are subject to change every day.
You can also try inducing movement of the fetus yourself by eating or drinking something that is particularly cold or hot
Step 6. Know when to seek medical attention
If there are no clear and recognizable movements between the 28th and 29th week of pregnancy, you should make an appointment with the gynecologist immediately. Also, if the repetitive pattern occurs after the 28th week but stops suddenly or changes dramatically, you should see your doctor as soon as possible to diagnose the problem or possible illness. The child may not kick for a variety of reasons. However, the lack of movement could be related to the following medical problems:
- The baby died in the womb;
- Not getting enough oxygen
- He may have moved and be in an uncomfortable position, which could indicate future complications at the time of birth.
Part 2 of 2: Counting the Fetal Kicks
Step 1. Keep a notebook or chart
It is important to have a journal so that you can keep track of the times your baby moves. It is a good idea to record all of the baby's movements in a notebook or use a ring binder to keep the charts. This way, you have more access to the data.
Step 2. Identify when he is most active
Every child has phases where they are livelier, such as after a meal you have had, after drinking a particularly hot or cold drink, after being unusually active, or even just at certain times of the day. Once you understand when he is most active, write down this time to track fetal kicks.
In almost all pregnancies, babies move more often between 9am and 1pm, as these are the times when the mother's blood sugar levels are dropping
Step 3. Make yourself comfortable
Find a position where you feel comfortable, which allows you to relax and feel the movements of the fetus well. Keep in mind that from this position you also need to be able to write.
- Ideally, you should lie on your back, with your head resting comfortably on a pillow. This posture allows you to feel the kicks more decisively.
- You can also get into a reclined position with your feet up; by doing so, you not only feel comfortable, but you can feel the baby's kicks well.
- Before starting the actual count, write down in your diary which week of pregnancy you are in, the day and time when the movements started.
Step 4. Start counting the fetal kicks
Whenever the child makes any movement, make a mark on the notebook or chart.
- You should keep the count only up to the 10th kick and also note the time it takes the child to take 10.
- Mark the time when he takes the first movement and the time when he takes the tenth or last kick.
Step 5. Make a note of how long it takes to get to 10 kicks
The baby should move at least 10 times in two hours. Be sure to record any significant changes in this time frame, as this could be a sign of something abnormal. Below is an example of how you might make a note of fetal kicks in your journal.
- WEEK 29
- Sunday 27/9 - h. 21:00 XXXXXXXXXX - h. 23:00, 2 hours;
- Monday 28/9 - h. 21:15 XXXXXXXXXX- h. 10:45 pm, 1 hour and a half;
- Tuesday 29/9 - h. 21:00 XXXXXXXXXX - h. 11:45 pm, 1 hour and 45 minutes;
- Wednesday 30/9 - h. 21:30 XXXXXXXXXX - h. 10:45 pm, 1 hour and 15 minutes;
- Thursday 1/10 - h. 21:00 XXXXXXXXXX - h. 10:30 pm, 1 hour and a half.
Step 6. Get the baby to move
If you don't feel his kicks 10 times within two hours, try eating or drinking something to see if that causes him to move a little.
You can try to keep track of the kicks at some other time if the baby doesn't seem particularly active now
Step 7. Know when to call your doctor
If after eating, drinking or monitoring fetal activity at some other time, the baby does not move at least 10 times, you should contact the gynecologist immediately.
Advice
- Try to move around a little or drink to see if it stimulates the baby a little.
- Do not count fetal kicks when you know the baby is not active, such as when sleeping.
- Always count at the same time each day, when you have identified a good time to do it.
- It is important to distinguish the movements of the baby from intestinal gas. Some women have a hard time recognizing the differences. If you also have any problems in this regard, ask your doctor to provide you with more explanations.
