Baby’s Movements

Most mothers-to-be eagerly await that first reassuring flutter, just to know their baby is growing and developing. Sometime between 18-25 weeks into pregnancy, moms will begin to feel movement. For first-time moms, it may occur closer to 25 weeks, and for second or third-time moms, it may occur closer to 18 weeks.

Don’t panic if you’re not sure what you’re feeling. For a couple of weeks it may be difficult to distinguish between gas and the real thing, but very soon, you will notice a pattern. You will gradually learn your baby’s sleeping and waking cycles when he or she is most active, and what seems to trigger activity.

Being attentive to your baby’s movements will help you notice any significant changes. Setting aside time every day when you know your baby is active to count kicks, swishes, rolls, and jabs may help identify potential problems and can help prevent stillbirth. Though strongly recommended for high-risk pregnancies, counting fetal movements beginning at 28 weeks may be beneficial for all pregnancies.

Counting your baby’s movements

There are numerous ways to count your baby’s movements and numerous opinions on how many movements you are looking for within a certain amount of time. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that you time how long it takes you to feel 10 kicks, flutters, swishes or rolls. Ideally, you want to feel at least 10 movements within 2 hours. You will likely feel 10 movements in less time than that.

You might want to start a notebook or use the various charts below. In a notebook, record the time you feel the first fetal movement, place a check mark for each movement you feel until you reach 10, then record the time of the tenth movement. This will help you observe patterns and discover how long it normally takes for your baby to move 10 times. Keep in mind you are looking for significant deviations from the pattern.

It can become easy to expect an exact amount of time every time you do your kick counts; however, there can be a wide range of time differences. So remember to look for significant deviations from the pattern over the course of a few days.

When should I call my physician?

If you have followed the above recommendations and have not felt 10 kicks by the end of the second hour, wait a few hours and try again. If after trying a second time, you do not feel 10 movements within 2 hours you should contact your health care provider. Or, if you notice a significant deviation from the pattern over the course of three to four days.