All About Baby Kicks
One of the most exciting moments of a pregnancy? Feeling your little baby move or kick in your stomach for the first time! There’s nothing quite like it. I think in a way it makes it feel “real”.
When I was 22 weeks pregnant with my son, my husband and I did our “Baby Moon” trip to visit my friend in Vermont. We stopped in New Hampshire on the drive and that night I ate spicy chicken wings. Now, I had an Anterior Placenta with him so I’d barely felt a thing… that night it was a dance party! I will never forget that feeling.
Regardless of how early you feel it, by the end of pregnancy they’re kicking up under your ribs and on your bladder and that exciting feeling fades, just a touch!
Whatever stage of baby kicks you’re in - there are often questions that come up. When should I start to feel baby move? How often should I feel them move? What if I can’t feel them move? Where should I track this information?
We’ve got ya covered!
Here’s a quick blog to help you navigate the world of baby kicks. P.S. We have a FREE Kick Counter you can grab HERE. More about that later!
When Should You Start Feeling Baby Move Or Kick?
Most people start to feel their baby move between 18 and 25 weeks. If you’re expecting your first baby, it might be closer to 25 weeks. If you’ve been pregnant before, you might notice the movements a bit earlier because you know what you’re feeling.
Early kicks might feel like gentle flutters or bubbles at first - I described mine as butterflies. As the baby grows, the movements will become more pronounced. Maybe you’ve seen those videos of mom’s belly and you can see the foot outline when the baby kicks! Pretty cool.
Movements can be kicks, stretches, rolls or turns.
What to Watch For
By 28 weeks, you should start noticing a pattern in your baby’s movements. From here on out, you’ll want to take time each and every day to count your baby’s movements. Kick counts are key for monitoring your baby’s well being and ensuring best possible outcomes!
You should feel at least 10 kicks in 2 hours. Don’t count kicks for more than 2 hours. If you haven’t felt 10 kicks in 2 hours, call the birth unit at your hospital and proceed to go there for a check-up.
It’s normal for movements to vary in intensity and frequency throughout the day. Your baby will have periods of rest and sleep. Get to know your baby’s usual movement pattern. A sudden decrease in movement, or a significant change in how often your baby moves, can be a sign to check in with your healthcare provider.
**Kicks that are “induced” by cold drinks, poking, or sugar don’t count! You want baby moving on their own.
When There Might Be a Problem
If you notice a marked decrease in your baby’s usual movement, especially after 28 weeks, contact your healthcare provider. They may suggest a non-stress test or ultrasound to ensure everything is okay.
Additionally, if you haven’t felt any movement by 24 weeks, or if there’s a sudden loss of movement at any point, reach out to your healthcare provider immediately.
Tips for Monitoring Baby’s Kicks
Make it part of your daily routine. Try to track your baby’s kicks at the same time each day. This can help you notice any changes more easily.
Download our free Kick Counter. This way, you’ll have a daily reminder to count your baby’s movements AND a place to track so you can show your healthcare provider if needed.
You can grab it HERE.
How to Count Kicks Properly
Lay down / sit down not distracted by anything else.
Place your hands on your belly.
Wait and count each movement or kick.
Movements that count are: individual kicks or rolls (one movement with a stretch and a kick at the same time count as 1), stretching, punches, turns. You want the moves to be distinct. If you’re not sure, don’t count it.
Feeling your baby move is an exciting part of pregnancy, but it’s also a really important way to tune into your baby’s health. Staying informed and aware can help you feel more confident and in control throughout your pregnancy journey.
If you’re gearing up for your own journey and want to be fully prepared, consider joining our Empowered Birth Online prenatal course! It’s packed with everything you need to navigate pregnancy, childbirth, and those crucial first weeks postpartum. Click HERE to learn more.
And if you’re in the Fredericton or Saint John, New Brunswick area, our experienced team offers postpartum doula services and lactation support. Click HERE to learn more.
Reach out to us for personalized care and support during your postpartum period. You’re not alone in this journey—let’s navigate it together!
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