Baby Kick Counter
Track your baby's movements to monitor fetal health. Aim for 10 kicks per session.
Today's Progress
Track 10 kicks to complete a session
Weekly Pattern
Start counting kicks around week 28 of your pregnancy. Here's how:
- Pick a time when your baby is usually active (often after meals).
- Sit comfortably or lie on your side.
- Start a session and record each movement you feel.
- A healthy baby usually reaches 10 kicks within 1–2 hours.
- Contact your provider if you notice a significant decrease in movement.
How to Use This Kick Counter
Tracking your baby's movements is an important part of monitoring fetal well-being. Here is how to use this tool effectively:
- Set your gestational week -- Enter your current week of pregnancy in the settings area at the top of the page. Kick counting is typically recommended starting at 28 weeks.
- Set your daily kick goal -- The default goal is 10 kicks per session. You can adjust this based on your healthcare provider's recommendations.
- Start a session -- Click "Start Kick Session" when you are ready to begin counting. Choose a time when your baby is usually active, such as after a meal or in the evening.
- Record each movement -- Each time you feel a kick, roll, flutter, or jab, tap the "Record Kick" button. You can optionally select the intensity level (light, moderate, or strong) before recording.
- Complete the session -- The session ends automatically when you reach 10 kicks, or you can tap "Complete Session" at any time. Review your session time and daily progress in the summary panels.
Understanding Fetal Movement
Why Fetal Movement Matters
Fetal movement is one of the earliest and most accessible indicators of a baby's health in the womb. Regular, consistent movement patterns suggest that the baby is receiving adequate oxygen and nutrients through the placenta. A noticeable decrease in movement can sometimes signal fetal distress, cord complications, or placental issues. While occasional quiet periods are normal -- babies sleep in cycles of 20 to 40 minutes -- a sustained reduction in overall movement warrants prompt medical attention. Kick counting gives you a structured way to monitor these patterns day by day.
When to Start Counting Kicks
Most women begin to feel fetal movement between 16 and 25 weeks of pregnancy, with first-time mothers often noticing movement closer to 25 weeks. However, healthcare providers generally recommend starting formal kick counts at around 28 weeks (the start of the third trimester), when movement patterns become more regular and predictable. Before 28 weeks, the baby is still small enough that movements may be inconsistent and harder to detect, making structured counting less reliable.
How to Do Kick Counts
The most widely recommended method is the "Count to 10" approach. Choose a time of day when your baby is typically active. Sit comfortably or lie on your left side -- this position improves blood flow to the uterus and may make movements easier to feel. Start your timer and note each distinct movement: kicks, rolls, jabs, and flutters all count. A healthy baby will usually produce 10 movements within one to two hours. Perform your kick count at roughly the same time each day so you can compare patterns consistently. Eating a snack or drinking cold water before starting can sometimes encourage movement.
When to Call Your Doctor
Contact your healthcare provider right away if you notice any of the following: fewer than 10 movements in two hours when your baby is normally active, a significant change from your baby's established movement pattern, no movement at all for an extended period, or a sudden onset of very forceful or frantic movements followed by a decrease. Do not wait until your next scheduled appointment -- reduced fetal movement is considered an urgent concern and should be evaluated promptly with tests such as a non-stress test (NST) or biophysical profile (BPP). It is always better to call and be reassured than to delay seeking care.
Fetal Movement by Trimester
| Week Range | What to Expect | Kick Counting |
|---|---|---|
| 16 - 20 weeks | First flutters (quickening); may feel like bubbles or butterflies | Not yet recommended |
| 20 - 24 weeks | Movements become stronger and more frequent | Not yet recommended |
| 24 - 28 weeks | Hiccups may be felt; baby responds to sounds and light | Can begin informal tracking |
| 28 - 32 weeks | Regular patterns emerge; movements are distinct | Begin daily kick counts |
| 32 - 36 weeks | Vigorous kicks and rolls; may feel less room to move | Continue daily counting |
| 36 - 40 weeks | Movements may shift from kicks to rolls and stretches as space decreases | Continue daily; frequency should not decrease |
Important Disclaimer
This kick counter is a tracking tool for informational purposes only and does not replace professional prenatal care. Every pregnancy is different, and your baby's movement patterns are unique. If you are ever concerned about reduced fetal movement, do not rely on this tool alone -- contact your healthcare provider or go to your nearest labor and delivery unit immediately. Reduced fetal movement can be an early warning sign that requires prompt medical evaluation. Always follow the specific guidance provided by your obstetrician or midwife.