Counting Fetal Movements

Check for fetal movements twice a day -- once in the morning and once in the evening (when baby tends to be more active) -- using these tips.

By Suelain Moy

___ Look at the clock and begin counting every motion your baby makes.

___ When you've counted 10 movements, note the time.

___ Generally, you should notice 10 movements in 10 minutes, although it may take longer for your child to move, or for you to notice the activity.

___ Have a little snack if you haven't noticed that much activity; then try counting again.

___ If two hours pass without 10 movements, call your practitioner, just in case.

___ Make it a habit to check in regularly with your little one as your due date gets closer.

Excerpted from the AmericanBaby.com Ages & Stages weekly prenatal newsletter, Week 28.

Originally published on AmericanBaby.com, September 2005.

All content here, including advice from doctors and other health professionals, should be considered as opinion only. Always seek the direct advice of your own doctor in connection with any questions or issues you may have regarding your own health or the health of others.

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Comments

Comments (16)

lidiarobles111 wrote:

i am 19 weeks and i can feel tiny movements when i drink something cold or eat something sweet

5/5/2011 12:23:49 AM Report Abuse

colescious311 wrote:

This is actually my 5th child and some ways I guess ppl say I should be a pro...but this time its much different. I am 35, overweight and have been having a lot of health problems before I even became pregnant. Is it true what they say about post stress after the baby is born? If in the Charlotte area, any good, inexpensive baby stores? I am basically starting over with much less income and dont have anything for a baby even though I am only 3 1/2 months. Thanks in advance!!

4/3/2011 09:37:47 PM Report Abuse

stephanddave1 wrote:

lonely, I wouldn't worry about it. I'm almost 22 weeks with my second and don't feel much movement either. Several ultrasounds show she moves around a lot. I am also overweight which I do think affects it.

3/8/2011 05:32:30 PM Report Abuse

lonely77020 wrote:

I'm 21 weeks with my first baby, and I really don't feel her move much. I am over weight, is that the reason? but i do feel her move when her daddy talks

2/9/2011 10:17:27 PM Report Abuse

Mpinkorchid wrote:

My little guy in there moves so much i cant keep up with him!!! He love the food an the resting an anytime i move i swear he is following what im doing. My boyfriend likes to call him the little alien with how much he pushes out my belly =)

1/18/2011 06:55:11 PM Report Abuse

kwardr0605 wrote:

My baby girl seems to hate when I eat because right after I do she jams her feet into my ribs and kicks up a storm. My first child bruised my ribs pretty bad, I think his little sister to be is doing the same thing. I noticed too that she seems to be most active when I want to go to bed and thats when she decides to jump around. She also doesn't like anything pushing against her, such as daddy or big brother trying to feel her movements or the cat or a book resting against my stomach.

9/9/2010 06:53:37 PM Report Abuse

vdiaz8411 wrote:

i feel movements constantly mostly inthe morning real early andthen noon then evening and toward late nights, is that ok? and it seems like if im hungry and wheni finsh eating its more movements lol its my first baby im 19 yrs old so its probablly cuz of that?

7/13/2010 12:15:38 PM Report Abuse

anonymous wrote:

I wish they'd come up with a number of times a day that you're supposed to do your kick count. Is it once a day twice? More? Seems like I always get a different answer.

6/29/2010 03:49:00 PM Report Abuse

SELISE2 wrote:

is it a such thing as a too active baby?? i swear i don't remember this much movement with my first..and now that I'm 8 months its becoming uncomfortable and it looks scary..lol..i don't think my little girl ever sleeps..lol

6/22/2010 11:02:07 AM Report Abuse

kponce2422 wrote:

My baby moves every time I finish eating.... lol And when he doesnt move I rub my stomach and it takes about a minute for him to move !!!

6/8/2010 02:23:10 PM Report Abuse

sylviasipp wrote:

My baby girl doesn't have a problem moving at all. When I feel her not move, which she has a pattern of sleeping and waking now... I miss her when she is sleep...LOL.

6/1/2010 12:56:51 PM Report Abuse

gnalicea wrote:

But how far along should you start doing this?

2/25/2010 04:14:03 PM Report Abuse

soldierswife2010 wrote:

My baby girl is so active, my tummy is seriously starting to feel like I'm constantly doing crunches!!! lol

2/16/2010 10:47:43 AM Report Abuse

Ilyasah wrote:

It seems after every meal my baby girl is so excited. It doesnt matter if its filled with sugar or just a little salty. She loves the food lol

1/13/2010 06:05:35 PM Report Abuse

mattevic2001 wrote:

This one doesn't a bit of a problem moving around at all lol

11/11/2009 07:17:30 AM Report Abuse

jealous_me07 wrote:

what ever you do if you dont feel movements do not drink a caffinated soda a candy bar and half a box of cookies because give it atleast 20 minutes and the baby will start moving but will be so sugar high it wont be comfortable for you! lol

10/16/2009 07:47:54 PM Report Abuse