Usually everything is just fine. Your partner, family and friends will not be able to feel these first movements, but before long they, too, will share in this exciting event! And those fluttering sensations will soon become distinguishable rolls, kicks and hiccups.

Medical studies have found that monitoring your baby's movements after the twenty-eighth week can alert you and your healthcare provider to any potential complications. If you notice lack of movement, please contact your healthcare provider. You may be given a kick count chart to monitor your baby's movements.
 

A kick count chart is a graph or grid printed on a piece of paper with spaces to record the daily movements of your baby. Kick count charts are mainly used for women who express concern about their baby's movements or if they have a health condition or pregnancy complication that may put their baby at an increased risk. Some healthcare providers use kick count charts as a routine part of care for all women during late pregnancy.

Counting the movements

Healthcare providers will usually provide their own kick count charts, but you could even draw one up yourself or just record the date, times and movements on a piece of paper. The name is a bit of a misnomer, in that the charts are aimed at recording all your baby's movements, not just the kicks. This means a flutter, elbow, roll, push, jab and stretch all count as "kicks." If your baby has some rigorous movements that go kick, kick, kick within a very short amount of time, this is regarded as three movements, not just one group of movements.

As a guide, there are two common methods used for monitoring a baby's movements with kick count charts. As you will see, there are many inconsistencies in what is regarded as adequate movement.

The Cardiff Count To Ten Method

This uses an eight to 12 hour period to record at least 10 of your baby's movements. The time period you choose will depend on when you think your baby is most active. If your baby has at least 10 movements within this 12 hour period, he is thought to be well. If your baby has not moved in 12 hours or you are concerned, you should contact your healthcare provider.

When charting, start your timing at around the same time each day. The first time you feel your baby move, record the time and write it down on your graph. Try to count every movement or kick until your baby has moved ten times. When you feel your tenth movement, write down the time (or put an X in the box corresponding to that time). One To Two Hour Method This involves lying quietly on your left side for about 30 minutes after eating (without distractions). Following your evening meal may be a good time if this is when your baby is most active. Your baby should move about three to five times within 60 to 75 minutes.

You can bring your kick count chart with you to your routine pregnancy appointments. Or if there is any concern on your part regarding your baby's movement (or lack of it), contact your healthcare provider.

If she is concerned about your baby's movements, she may suggest you have a non-stress test (NST).
 

Every time you feel your baby move, you press a button, which puts a mark on a paper readout strip. It also records the baby's heart rate, so your healthcare provider can make sure the baby's heart rate is responding appropriately to his movement.

Sometimes the healthcare provider will use a vibroacoustic stimulator. This is placed on your belly near your baby's head, making a loud buzzing noise to wake your baby up and get him moving.