Kick Counts!!
Most mothers-to-be are so excited about that first reassuring flutter, just to know their baby is growing and developing. Sometime between 18-25 weeks into your pregnancy, you 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.
Why are kick counts so important? Paying attention to a fetus’s movements in utero has been linked with a decrease in stillbirth.
How to Do a Kick Count
- Pick a time of day when your baby is most active, usually after you’ve had a light meal or snack.
- Once you’re sure your baby is awake, sit with your feet up or lie on your side and start counting movements. All movements count as “kicks.” Hiccups do not.
- Log the number of minutes it takes to count 10 movements.
Don’t panic if you’re not sure what you’re feeling. For a couple of weeks it may be difficult to recognize the difference between gas and the real thing, but very soon, you will notice a pattern.
When Should I Call My Physician Or Midwife?
- 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.
- If you notice a significant deviation from the pattern over the course of 3-4 days.
Midwife and ihelpmoms.com provider, Courtney McMillian can help answer any questions that you have on your baby’s movements and kick counts!