Kick Counts
Between 18 and 25 weeks of
pregnancy, mothers begin to feel movement. For first-time moms, this can happen at about 25 weeks, and in second or third
mothers, at about 18 weeks.
Counting baby kicks is important
Don't panic if you are unsure
of your feelings. It can be difficult to tell gas from real gas for a few
weeks, but very soon you will notice a pattern. You will gradually get to know
your child's sleep-wake cycles, when he is most active, and what seems to be causing
the activity.
By paying attention to your
baby's movements, you will be able to notice any significant changes. Taking
time each day, when you know your baby is active, to count kicks, swings,
rolls, and claps can help identify potential problems and prevent stillbirths.
While counting fetal movements is highly recommended for high-risk pregnancies
starting at 28 weeks, it may be useful for all pregnancies.
Making the most of these precious moments
Generally, mothers find that
their children become more active after eating sugary foods or anything else,
drinking something very cold, or after physical activity. You may also find
that your child is most active between 9:00 pm and 1:00 am as blood sugar
levels drop.
By taking the time to count
your baby's kicks, you can relax and bond with him. Start by finding a
comfortable position when your child is usually the most active. Some mothers
prefer to sit in a position with good support, holding their hands on their
stomach. Other mothers prefer to lie on their left side, which seems to them
the most convenient and effective for monitoring the baby. Lying on your left
side also promotes better circulation, which can lead to a more active baby.
Counting your baby’s movements
There are many ways to count
your child's movements and many opinions on how many movements you are looking
for in a given amount of time. After how long will you feel 10 jolts, flutters,
swings or rolls. Ideally, you want to feel at least 10 movements in 2 hours.
You will probably feel 10 movements in less time.
You can take a notepad or use
the various tables below. Write down in a notebook the time you felt the first
fetal movement, check the box for each movement you feel until you reach 10,
then write down the time of the 10th movement. This will help you observe
patterns and find out how long it usually takes your child to make 10 moves.
Keep in mind that you are looking for significant deviations from the model.
It can become easy to expect
precise timing every time you count your kicks; however, there may be a wide
range of time differences. Therefore, remember to look for significant
deviations from the pattern within a few days.
When should I call my doctor?
- If you followed the suggestions above and haven't felt 10 jolts by the end of the second hour, wait a few hours and try again. If after the second attempt you do not feel 10 movements within 2 hours, you should consult a doctor.
- If you notice a significant deviation from the pattern within 3-4 days.