Foetal Movement Count: How to Count Kicks During Your Pregnancy?

• Written by Anjali Sharma

  Reviewed by Munmi Sharma

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Foetal movements can be an incredibly exciting and reassuring experience for expectant parents. Most parents-to-be describe the feeling of a baby moving inside the womb as one of the most magical and emotional moments during pregnancy. Hence, keeping a daily foetal movement count helps foster a sense of excitement and anticipation for the arrival of their little one.

Every Foetus is different, and so is every pregnancy. Thus, the movement of every Foetus varies. As long as the movement lies in a healthy range, you do not need to worry. Also, to understand the pattern of your Foetus’s normal movement, you can observe the daily fetal movement counting. Continue reading to learn more about regular foetal movements for every trimester.

What is Foetal Movement?

Foetal movement means counting the number of baby (Foetus) kicks in a specific period. It involves keeping track of how often you feel your baby move. Not only is it an indicator of health, but it also helps in mother-baby bonding. There are different types of fetal movements, such as respiratory movements, rolling movements, and simple movements like kicks and punches.

Start of Foetal Movement

The first foetal movements, known as quickening, are very gentle, even leaving you doubtful if you experienced them. Usually, the baby kicks start being observable by the second trimester after quickening. This begins between 16 to 22 weeks. However, different women can experience their first noticeable movement at various times.

What do Foetal Movements Feel Like?

Foetal movements can vary greatly depending on the stage of pregnancy, the baby’s position, and individual factors like the mother's body type or sensitivity. Here is a detailed explanation of what they feel like and how they evolve:

Early Fetal Movements (Weeks 16–25)

The earliest movements are subtle and may feel like light flutters, tiny taps, or bubbles popping. Some women describe it as a tickling sensation or the feeling of gas moving in the abdomen. First-time mothers usually start experiencing these sensations between 18 and 22 weeks, though experienced mothers may notice them slightly earlier, around 16 weeks.

Mid-Pregnancy Movements (Weeks 25–32)

As the baby grows, movements become more pronounced, feeling like nudges, flips, or even light kicks. You might also notice the baby stretching or turning. By this time, you may start recognizing patterns in your baby’s activity. Babies often have periods of wakefulness and sleep, with increased activity after meals or when you're lying down.

Late Pregnancy Movements (Weeks 32–40)

Movements in late pregnancy are more distinct, including jabs, rolls, and shifts as the baby grows larger and has less room to move. You may feel pressure or stretching as the baby pushes against the uterine walls. Kicks and punches can sometimes be startling or slightly uncomfortable, especially if directed at the ribs or bladder. While the baby may have less room to move, the frequency of movements should remain consistent.

How Often Should I Feel My Baby Moving?

The frequency of foetal movements varies depending on the stage of pregnancy. The movements might be occasional during the early pregnancy period (before 28 weeks). This is normal as the baby is small and has more room to move.

After 28 weeks, you should feel your baby moving regularly every day. While there’s no strict number, most women feel the baby move multiple times during active periods. Starting around the third trimester, your healthcare provider might recommend tracking your baby’s movements:

• Choose a time when your baby is usually active, such as after a meal.
• Lie down or sit quietly and count how long it takes to feel 10 movements (kicks, rolls, or flutters).
• Most babies will make 10 movements within 2 hours, but it often takes much less time.

Foetal Movement in the Second Trimester

At the start of the second trimester, jotting down the daily foetal movement count can be a tough task. The movement around this period is unpredictable. In the very start, the kicks are generally light. However, as you move forward in your pregnancy journey, the movement can be quick and intense. In that case, you may wonder about the fetal movements at 24 weeks. By 24 weeks to the end of the second trimester, the movements turn larger into kicks and punches. Further, your doctor can now feel your baby around this time by simply touching your belly.

Foetal Movement in the Third Trimester

By the third trimester, you will be able to draw patterns around your baby's movements. You can carefully monitor them to understand your baby's activeness. The foetal movements in the lower abdomen in the third trimester can help you understand if your baby is more active in the daytime or night or if there is some specific time to observe your baby's movements. =

However, by the end of the third trimester, your baby won't be able to move that much. Baby's growing weight can be one of the causes of decreased foetal movement at 34 weeks. So, doctors suggest following kick counts around the end of the third trimester.

Should I Monitor My Baby's Kicking?

Yes, monitoring your baby’s kicking, especially in the third trimester, can be a helpful way to ensure their well-being. While there is no exact number of kicks to expect, paying attention to changes in your baby’s movement patterns can provide valuable insight into their health.

Here are some of the reasons why you should monitor baby kicking:

• Signs of Health: Regular foetal movement during pregnancy is often a sign of a healthy baby. Reduced movement could signal a potential issue, such as low oxygen levels or a problem with the placenta.
• Peace of Mind: Monitoring movements can help you feel reassured about your baby’s health, especially as you approach the final months of pregnancy.
• Detect Changes Early: If the baby’s movements slow down or change significantly, it may be an early warning of a complication, allowing for timely intervention.

You can track the number of movements within a set time frame. A standard recommendation is to feel at least 10 movements in 2 hours. Many women feel 10 movements much quicker, often in less than an hour. Pick a time when you're relaxed, and your baby is more likely to be active, such as after a meal or in the evening.

Normal Daily Foetal Movement Count

Doctors generally suggest making a foetal movement chart to count your baby's normal movement. The normal count ranges from at least 6 kicks in two hours. If you are not feeling at least 6 kicks, this is one indicator of when to worry about fetal movement.

When is the Best Time to Count My Baby’s Movements during Pregnancy?

You should start counting your baby’s movements around 28 weeks of pregnancy (in the third trimester). This is when the baby has grown enough that you can feel their movements more clearly, and it becomes easier to track patterns.

Let us discuss the best times to count the baby’s movement:

• After Meals: Babies tend to be more active after you’ve eaten, so this can be a good time to track movements.
• Evening or Night: Many babies are more active in the evening when you're resting, and you may notice their movements more easily.
• Quiet, Relaxed Times: Choose a time when you're sitting or lying down comfortably and can focus on feeling your baby move without distractions.

Monitoring the regularity of movements helps you recognize if something changes. A general recommendation is to feel 10 movements within 2 hours. However, many women feel 10 movements in less time, often within an hour or less.

What If I Don’t Feel 6 Movements in 2 Hours?

If you don’t feel at least 6 movements in 2 hours, it is important not to panic, but you should contact your doctor as soon as possible. A decrease in foetal movement can sometimes indicate a problem, but it doesn’t always mean something is wrong. Your doctor may ask you to come in for an evaluation, which could include:

• Non-Stress Test (NST): This test monitors the baby’s heart rate and movements to assess their well-being.
• Ultrasound: An ultrasound can check the baby's position, amniotic fluid levels, and overall health.
• Other Assessments: Your doctor may check for factors like the position of the placenta or any potential issues affecting movement.

Decreased Foetal Movement- Causes and When to Worry

There can be several reasons for the decreased foetal movement. The lower foetal movement may be a result of your baby's illness. There might be an issue with their placenta or even umbilical cords. Foetal distress can also reduce the movement of your baby. In all these cases, you are suggested to visit a doctor and get a non-stress test done. This will be quite helpful in understanding your baby's overall wellness, including heart rate and more. It can also help you know what can cause decreased fetal movement in the third trimester.

Read More: Is Maternity Insurance Available for Already Pregnant Women?

Summing Up

The baby growing in your womb must be very special to you. So it is normal if you like to check on its health and wellness regularly. As mentioned, foetal movement and kick counts are some of the best ways to do the same. Baby kick in pregnancy is usually experienced between 18 to 25 weeks of pregnancy for first-time moms. With time, these gentle flutters become more distinct.

Foetal movement for every trimester also varies and is distinct for every woman. However, there may be some alarming signs, like reduced kicks in the third trimester. These signs can indicate to immediately consult your doctor.

For all-around health coverage before, during, and after your pregnancy journey, you may rely on our maternity health insurance, comprehensive health plan ensuring round-the-clock coverage during the times of need.

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.