Counting kicks (fetal movement counting) in pregnancy is a way to monitor the fetus. It involves expectant parents tracking fetal kicks and movements during development in your uterus.
Changes in movement patterns can sometimes indicate the fetus is under stress. Knowing the fetus’s normal movement patterns can help you sense when something seems off.
Speaking on Plan B Fm’s family, relationship, and lifestyle show dubbed NYANSAPO FIE, hosted by Madam Mary Bright on the topic “Fetal Kick Count” with Madam Faustina Bentil Midwifery Officer and Oforiwaa Anane Midwifery officer all from Tema Polyclinic has said It’s a good idea to always be aware of your fetal movements during pregnancy.
Kick counting becomes more important in the third trimester (between weeks 28 and 40) when lack of movement may suggest the fetus is stressed. Talk with your healthcare provider about when to do kick counting or how many kicks you should feel.
Madam Faustina Bentil said one may start feeling their baby move between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy, but you won’t usually feel kicks until 22 to 26 weeks. Around 30 to 32 weeks, you will typically feel more kicking. By 40 weeks, your baby has grown larger and may have less room to move around, so their movements may feel smaller than before.
She stressed that the fetus is more active at certain times during the day. It’s common for pregnant people to notice more movement after they’ve eaten a meal. This is because of the increase in sugar (glucose) in your blood.
Others notice more movement in the evenings when they are going to bed. It may also be that you simply don’t feel the fetus moving during the day because you’re busy, at work or caring for your other children.
Madam Oforiwaa Anane said a healthy baby usually kicks at least 10 times per hour. If you don’t feel at least five kicks within the first hour, try drinking something cold and eat a snack. Then lie down on your side. It may be helpful to place your hands on your abdomen to help you feel your baby moving.
Kicks from inside your uterus feel soft and may be hard to distinguish (especially the first movements). The fetus is small, and its movements aren’t strong. Some people describe kicks as flutters, swishes, rolls, jabs, or butterflies.
Don’t panic if you’re not sure what you’re feeling. You’ll eventually learn the movement patterns of the fetus and Kick counting can help you be more aware of fetal movements. If you know what’s normal for the fetus, then you can more easily determine when something feels wrong.
She continued that changes in fetal movement may be an early sign of distress or can indicate a problem with the pregnancy. Once you know the fetus’s activity level, you can alert your healthcare provider if changes occur.
Feeling the fetus move in your uterus is a good thing and indicates a healthy and growing fetus. But even healthy fetuses can experience distress. That’s why knowing what’s normal for the fetus can be a good way to identify potential problems, she added.
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