A physician usually recommends that a woman learns how to kick fetal counts in her third trimester if she is experiencing a high-risk pregnancy.Fetal kick counts are done to keep track of the baby's movements.The mother can discern between normal movements of the baby and movements that may signal concern by keeping track of her baby's movements.
Step 1: Know what "kick" means.
The count of movements the unborn baby makes is called the fetal kick count.Fetal kick counts do not include hiccups.This could be a sign of fetal distress if the fetal kick count is not normal.Even if the baby's movements are reduced, you may still have a healthy baby.Fetal kick counts are an excellent way for you to bond with your baby before he/she is born, as they help you learn his/her sleeping and waking cycles.
Step 2: Know when it's time to start.
Doctors advise pregnant women to start counting kicks around 28 weeks.Between 18 and 25 weeks into the pregnancy, the baby becomes active.The baby won't kick until you are closer to 25 weeks.The baby will be moving, but you won't feel it.Babies start kicking around 18 weeks old for second or third time mothers.Doctors recommend that the mother start documenting fetal counts at 26 weeks for high risk pregnancies.
Step 3: Look for patterns.
It is hard to tell gas and stomach pain from fetal kicks.A healthy baby will soon establish a pattern of movements, becoming active during some parts of the day and resting during others.The patterns will soon be seen by the mother.The baby begins to wake and sleep in the third trimester.The baby should kick frequently when he is awake.The baby will be still while sleeping.You should be able to identify when the baby is asleep and awake.
Step 4: Be on top of things.
Fetal kick patterns should be monitored closely once you have identified them.Fetal kick count is a way to monitor the health of your baby after 28 weeks of pregnancy.Track your kick counts in a journal or notebook.See part 2 for more about this process.
Step 5: Don't worry.
If your baby does not kick the first time you do a fetal kick count, you may want to call your doctor to make sure everything is okay.While your baby will establish a pattern of movement in the womb, these patterns are not set in stone and are subject to change on a day-to-day basis.If you want to get your baby moving, you can eat a meal or drink a cup of juice.
Step 6: Know when to seek help.
You should schedule an appointment with your doctor if you don't see a pattern between the 28th and 29th weeks of your pregnancy.If a pattern emerges after 28 weeks, but suddenly ceases or changes drastically, you will want to call a medical professional as soon as possible.There are a number of reasons why the baby is not kicking.The baby is not getting enough oxygen because of a lack of kicking.The baby could have moved into a breech position.Fetal movements can be decreased when there is a change in position.The baby died in the uterus.
Step 7: You can get a notebook or chart.
It's important to have this so you can record the time it takes the baby to move.It is a good idea to keep a record of your baby's movements in one notebook or binder that has the charts in it to make it easy to find.
Step 8: Do you know when the baby is most active?
Each baby has a time when it is most active, such as after eating a meal, drinking a beverage that contains sugar, or just during certain times of the day.Fetal kick counts can be calculated when you know when your baby is the most active.The most active time for babies in most pregnancies is between 9pm and 1am.
Step 9: Get used to it.
You can find a position in which you can relax and still feel your baby's movements.You need to be able to write while in this position.Lying on your side, with your head propped up with a pillow, is the ideal position.It will help you feel the kicks more firmly.You can rest in a recliner with your feet up.This position is comfortable and you will be able to feel your baby's kicks.Before you start counting the kicks, make a note of what week of pregnancy you are in, the day, and the starting time.
Step 10: The fetal kicks are counted.
Make a check mark on your chart or notepad when the baby makes a movement.You should note how long it took for you to feel the baby move, and only count up to ten kicks.Write down the times of the first and tenth movement.
Step 11: Take a look at how long it took to reach ten movements.
The baby should have moved at least ten times.There is an example of how to note fetal kicks in your journal.The week begins on Sunday, 9/27, 9:00pm, and ends on Tuesday, 09/29, 10:45pm.
Step 12: The baby is moving.
If you don't feel the baby move ten times within those two hours, try eating or drinking something to see if it will help.If the baby doesn't seem to be very active, you may try to track the movements at a later time.
Step 13: Know when to see a doctor.
If the baby doesn't move at least ten times after eating, drinking, or watching fetal activity, you should immediately contact your health care provider.