When Should I Feel My Baby Move? All About Fetal Kick Counting

Have a case of the butterflies? 

Not the romantic kind… 

The baby kind. 

In both cases, they are good things. 

But those baby butterflies…

They really hit differently, don’t they? 

Not only are you growing a new life, but you’re also embarking on a new journey. And that new set of butterflies becomes the highlight of your day. 

How precious they are. 

Not only are they sweet and sometimes surprising (ever had a foot stuck between your ribs?) but they are also signs that your baby is doing well. 

If they are moving, their heart is beating, their muscles are growing and they are developing as they should be. All good things, obviously. 

So, each kick to your ribs, each flutter of what feels like butterfly wings is a gift, and an indicator that your baby is happy and healthy. 

How sweet.

When Will My Baby Start Moving? 

Now, you might be wondering when you’ll be able to feel your baby move. The early movement a baby makes is called quickening. 

Quickening can feel like…

• Butterflies in your stomach
• A small tapping 
• Flickering 
• Small air bubbles popping 
• Light rolling 

Several factors determine when you will feel this quickening sensation.

Here they are:

• You’ve had a baby before. If this is the case, you may feel the quickening sensations earlier than others. This is simply because your body is showing its muscle memory abilities. You’re also more in tune with what baby movement feels like. 
• The location of your placenta. If your placenta is between your belly and uterus (an anterior placenta), it will be more difficult to feel movement.
• Baby temperament. Some babies are movers, and others are more relaxed. Just because your baby is moving less than someone else doesn’t mean anything is wrong with your baby. 

If you’re in your first trimester, you may not feel anything at all, and that is completely normal.

It’s safe to say that for most pregnancies, women start to feel baby movement between 20 to 24 weeks. Some earlier, some later. But usually, it is within this window. 

So, if you’re still waiting to feel baby movement, keep this detail in mind as you wait. You should definitely feel some movement by your third trimester (around week 28).

Why Should I Track My Baby’s Kicks?

Keeping track of your baby’s kicks helps you stay tuned in to their movements. When you know what’s typical for your baby’s activity, it’s easier to notice if something seems off. Changes in their movements could be a sign that something isn’t quite right, and the sooner you pick up on it, the better. That’s why it’s useful to be aware of their activity level and to let your healthcare provider know if anything seems different.

Feeling those little kicks and wiggles in your belly is a reassuring sign that your baby is growing strong and healthy. But even healthy babies can sometimes show signs of distress, which is why it’s helpful to know what’s normal for your little one. If your usually active baby suddenly slows down, it’s worth mentioning to your healthcare provider.

How To Do Fetal Kick Counting

Many parents decide to do fetal kick counting. 

It’s just like it sounds. You are tracking (counting) your baby’s kicks or movements over a period of time. There isn’t one medically approved method, but there are methods people have found successful: 

• Count 10 kicks. Lay down, touch your belly, and feel for movement. Measure the amount of time it takes for your baby to kick 10 times. It helps to lie on your left side. 
• Track regular movement. Make it a point to be in tune with your baby’s movement patterns. Your baby should be routinely moving. But also keep in mind that babies can rest for extended periods of time, and that’s okay. 
• Count the number of kicks you feel in 1 hour. Set a timer and count movements within that time while you go about your day. . 
• Set aside 15 minutes a day. Make it part of your routine to sit or lie down to feel for movements. Try to notice the pattern. They may be different depending on the time of day (i.e. meal times, night time, morning).

A quick side note: If counting your baby’s movements really makes you anxious….

Don’t feel like you have to count religiously.

Fetal kick counting is a resource to help you stay in tune with your baby’s movements. Then, if you feel something is off, you can contact your healthcare provider. 

You may notice an increase in baby’s movements after eating, drinking, or between the hours of 9:00 pm and 1:00 am. They may already be keeping you awake at night. But remember, these moments are fleeting and precious. They won’t last forever. Right now is your time to soak it all in and appreciate your amazing, miracle-producing body. 

When Should I Begin Fetal Kick Counting?

Typically, most parents won’t start kick-counting until the third trimester. 

Why is this? 

Well, as we mentioned above, you may not feel any movement until week 20 of pregnancy. Early movements can be difficult to track, as they are less noticeable and may be fewer in number. 

However, by your third trimester, your baby’s movements will become stronger and easier to track. 

There are a lot of fun, creative ways to track fetal kick counts. Making it fun will make the process more enjoyable for everyone. Not everything about pregnancy is enjoyable or glamorous…

But here are a few ways to make fetal kick counting easy and fun: 

• Use a counting app on your phone. Several apps out there make it easy to track fetal movement, such as Count The Kicks. Download it and try it out.  
• Track using a fetal count journal. There are many adorable journal pages for baby kick counting. Also, it’s something memorable and cute to put in your baby book. 
• Use a portable counter. Having a device to count your baby’s movements may be your preference. It’s a great way to get an accurate count. 

When Fetal Movement Counts Are Low

When should I be concerned about my baby’s movements? 

While fetal kick counting, many parents find themselves feeling anxious about their baby. They wonder if they’re doing enough to ensure their baby is healthy.

Here’s a piece of advice: 

You know your baby best. 

During your third trimester, you should be feeling movement often. 

Try not to be alarmed if your baby hasn’t moved in several hours. It’s normal for them to have periods of rest, sleep and activity — just like you.

Here’s a good rule of thumb: If your baby has fewer than 10 movements during a 2 to 3-hour period, you may want to contact your doctor. 

Does this definitely mean something is wrong with my baby? 

No. 

All it means is you are in tune with your baby’s movements, and you feel that something may be off. Your doctor will be more than happy to relieve any anxiety when it comes to your baby’s movements. They may recommend an ultrasound or non-stress test. And if something is wrong, you’ll be happy you stayed in tune with your baby’s patterns. 

Once again, fetal kick counting is not meant to stress you out. It is meant to be a tool you can use to learn your baby’s movement patterns.

Use it to help you, not burden you. 

Buddha Belly Doulas Can Help

Our doulas are ready and able to help you with whatever you may need during your pregnancy and beyond. We’re here to listen to your fears and victories. Pregnancy can be a time of highs and lows. We’re here for you every step of the way, no matter what. Don’t hesitate to reach out.