Why, When and How to Track Kicks

Monitoring movements is crucial to keep an eye on the wellbeing of the fetus, since kicks and movements are signs that the fetus is active and healthy. That’s why healthcare professionals routinely recommend tracking kicks during pregnancy, as a part of prenatal care. By establishing a pattern of fetal movement and tracking kicks regularly, a mom-to-be can identify any changes that may be cause for concern and seek medical attention if necessary.

The American Pregnancy Association states that sometime between 18-25 weeks into the pregnancy, moms will begin to feel the movement of their baby, and suggest they count these fetal movements daily starting in the third trimester, at around 28 weeks of pregnancy. ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) and NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) do have similar statements as well. During this time, baby’s movements become more consistent and frequent, and thus, establishing patterns would become easier. However, of course, in case of risk factors for fetal distress or history of complications in previous pregnancies, a mom-to-be might want to (or perhaps, guided to) start kick counting earlier. 

Parents are expected to be aware of the normal pattern and frequency of their baby’s movements, and contact their healthcare professionals if they notice a decrease in fetal movements.  

When tracking kicks during pregnancy, one should expect to feel their baby's movements and count the number of kicks that she feels within a certain time period. Ideally, a mom-to-be will likely feel 10 movements within 2 hours. Though, it’s best to speak with a healthcare professional, as they can provide guidance based on individual circumstances.

Here are some tips & tricks on tracking kicks:

1. Choose a time of day when the baby is most active. Many babies have a pattern of being more active at certain times of the day, such as after meals or in the evening. Choose a time when the baby is most active to track kicks.
2. Find a comfortable position. Lie down on your left side or sit with your feet up and back supported. This can help you feel more relaxed and help you focus on the baby's movements.
3. Count movements for at least an hour. Count the number of kicks or movements you feel in an hour. It's recommended to aim for 10 movements in 2 hours, but this can vary depending on the baby's pattern of movement. Try out the Kick Cub within the Cubtale App!
4. Record your results. Keep a record of the number of movements you feel each time you do kick counting. This can help you identify any changes in your baby's pattern of movement and provide valuable information for your healthcare provider. 
5. Contact your healthcare professional if necessary. If you notice a decrease in the fetal movement or have any concerns about your baby's movements, you should contact your healthcare professional right away. This can help ensure that your baby is healthy and receiving the care that they need.

In short, tracking kicks during pregnancy is a simple and effective way to monitor fetal wellbeing and provide reassurance to a soon-to-be-mom. In that regard, by establishing fetal movement patterns and tracking kicks regularly, one can identify any changes that may be cause for concern and seek medical attention if necessary.