Kick Counts

From 26 to 40 weeks

You should now notice fetal movement throughout the day. If you are concerned that the baby may not be moving, you can do kick counts. The best time is in the evening between 7:00 pm and 10:00 pm.. If the baby moves, or ‘kicks’ 4 or more times within 1 hour that is normal.

Your baby must continue to move, though the movements may feel more like “rolling” movements rather than “kicks” as in the last trimester.

If your baby moves less than 4 times in 1 hour, you should eat something and drink cold water or juice, lie down and do kick counts as previously mentioned. If there are not 4 movements within 1 hour, call us. You will need to be monitored and may need a non-stress test (NST). This is a test to check for normal fetal heart tones and movement.