Kick Counter

Choose a time when your baby is likely active (often after a meal or when you are resting). Sit or lie in a comfortable, quiet position. Count each distinct movement (kick, roll, jab, flutter) - excluding hiccups. One method: count how long it takes to reach 10 movements.

You'll typically start feeling baby movements ("quickening") between about 16-24 weeks. Formal kick-counting (tracking for a set goal) is often recommended around 28 weeks and later.

There isn't a fixed number for 30 minutes in all guidelines. Some charts say at least 6 movements in 2 hours may be a threshold. One common goal: reaching 10 movements within up to 2 hours in the third trimester.

Be aware of your baby's usual movement pattern (how often, how strong). If you notice a significant decrease in movements (i.e., slower, fewer or weaker than usual) you should contact your healthcare provider. Counting sessions can help you notice changes.

There is variability among babies and pregnancies. One guideline: in the third trimester, reaching at least 10 movements (kicks, rolls, jabs) within 1-2 hours when you are paying attention. Another guideline: at least 6 movements in 2 hours in some settings.

There's no exact universal number of kicks per day that applies to all pregnancies. Some guidelines emphasise recognising your baby's usual pattern rather than a fixed daily number.

Not necessarily. Most guidelines say "10 movements in up to 2 hours" not within 2 minutes. If you feel 10 in 2 minutes that may just reflect a very active period, but it is not a standard goal.

You may feel kicks, jabs, rolls or flutters anywhere in your abdomen. Where you feel them depends on baby's position, placenta location, and how you are sitting or lying. Early movements may feel like fluttering; later stronger kicks or rolls.

Various things may increase the chance of noticing movement: after you eat (rise in blood sugar/glucose) may stimulate movement; lying still and focusing; change of position; sometimes noise or stimulus to the belly.

Many pregnant people notice baby movement is more obvious in the evening/at night, especially when they are resting, less distracted. Some sources say between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m. as a peak period.

While babies do have rest/sleep periods and you may not notice every movement, going a full day without any movement (especially after you regularly felt movement) should prompt contact with your healthcare provider. It may signal a change in pattern.

Yes - not every movement the baby makes is felt by you (especially early on, if placenta is anterior, or if you are busy/moving). What matters more is a consistent pattern of movement you recognise, and noticing if that pattern changes.

Movement generally becomes more noticeable starting in the second trimester (roughly 16-24 weeks) and increases. By about 28 weeks movement is strong and you may start formal tracking. From 30 weeks onward movement is still present though sometimes feels different as baby has less space.

While no food can force movement all the time, some pregnant people notice baby moves after they eat or drink something with a bit of natural sugar (juice, fruit) or change of activity/position.