How to Perform the Fetal Kick Count

During pregnancy, there is one non-invasive test you can do yourself at home to check on the baby's health. This is called a Kick Count and basically measures the baby's movements. When a baby moves around enough this is a good indicator that a baby is healthy. The idea is to feel your baby move 10 times within two hours. By following these simple steps you can perform a fetal kick count at home and monitor your baby's well being.

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Pen
• Clock

Instructions

1. Set aside a time of day that you can sit down and observe your baby's movements. It helps if you set aside the same time each day. Try to pick the time when your baby is most active.

2. Eat or drink something before starting the kick count, as this will often make your baby more active. Keep ice water or juice next to where you will be sitting so you can sip on it to help rouse the baby if needed.

3. Do some light exercises or take a walk before beginning. This too can help wake a baby.

4. Find a comfortable position. You might want to sit with your feet up or lie on your left side. Lying on your left side allows more blood to circulate to your baby, causing the baby to be more active.

5. Mark the time that you begin counting movements. When you feel the 10th movement mark the time and after several days you can go back and look at the pattern. You will get an idea of how long it normally takes for your baby to move 10 times.

Tips & Warnings

• It is normal for babies to be sleeping and not moving much. To stimulate movement, drink a glass of ice water or juice.

• Fetal movement is typically felt around the 25th week of pregnancy, so you can usually begin doing fetal kick counts in the 7th month.

• Be sure to contact your midwife or doctor if you don't feel 10 movements within two hours.

• You should also call if you notice a deviation in how long it takes for your baby to reach 10 movements.