How many kicks to count?

Paulaann05

FTM so forgive me if this sounds dumb but I'm 28 weeks now and am between OB appts so I can't ask her. How many kicks should I be feeling? Should I count per hour or per day? LO hasn't been moving as much as usual the past few days but I get big kicks from her after meals usually or after I eat some sugar. And then sometimes I'll get little movements during the day or sometimes I won't feel her for several hours. My friend just lost her baby at 32 weeks from UC strangulation so I think that's making me more nervous. I just dunno if this is normal or if or when I should be concerned. Any advice would be helpful, thanks ladies.

carrieactually

The instructions my ob gave were after dinner count 10 kicks and if you don't get to 10 within 2 hours then call

VineyardMel

Mine is to pick a time and count 10 in 2 hours. Anything counts, but if baby has hiccups that only counts as one movement. I only do it when baby gets really quiet on me, but I have a pretty active little one in there so I really look out for a change in normal movement. I'm so sorry for your friend's loss.

Brissett

I never count them but, take comfort in the fact that I feel her multiple times every day / night.

kmeyers0611

Mayo Clinic Guide book says baby should move at least 4 times per hour, so to count 10 movements in 2 hours, if you are less than that to call

YankeePeach08

I havnt gotten any kick count instructions and I'll be 31 weeks tomorrow. My Ob office may skip this for twins though.
I will say, the babies are LOVIN this mimosa I'm drinking so maybe try that?

SandiaLiz

My doc's instructions were a little different from most (from what I have read on this board) but matched with my Mayo Clinic book. She said that she is looking for 4 movements per hour but unless I feel the first 4 kicks in the first 15 minutes I am supposed to have a snack and rest somewhere quiet and look for 8 movements total over two hours.

I find it really does help to lie down and put my hands on my belly. I am much more aware of her movement like that, although that is really impractical if I am at work. All right 4th graders, Miss Liz is going to lie down on the floor for the next hour and a half...I don't think so! I am supposed to do this twice a day but it really only happens at night.

Even now when she is moving daily it is so hard not to worry. I am always so glad for this board and hearing other people's experiences!

ardmj80

This is from my MFM.

pepperedmoth

My midwife pretty much said that I knew my baby best, that he'd have quiet days and busy days, to trust my instincts, and if I became worried to call her no matter what the count was.

MeggsM

I'm only supposed to do them if I don't feel movement regularly during the day. Mt MW only wants 8 in two hours.
That being said this LO is a dancing fiend so I don't have to do it that often. Sorry for your friends loss - that would have me paranoid too.

Paulaann05

Thanks for all the help and advice ladies. It's very reassuring.

Khedges07

I'm only 27 weeks & was wondering the same thing! Little lady is generally pretty active most if day, when she's not I tend to sit down & poke my belly lol! Normally gets a reaction!

stephmsully

My doc said 10 kicks in 2 hours... Then I'm good for 24 hrs. I told him, I can get 10 kicks sometimes in less than 10 min- he said most of the time I won't need the 2hr time limit!

BrideNamedMeg

I've seen midwives for all of my pregnancies and have never been asked to do a kick count.  I just like to feel movement several times throughout the day.  If I'm busy and walking around, that either puts the baby to sleep or I'm so active I don't feel it.  When I sit down and put my feet up that's usually when the party starts

bingbongsmama

I've never heard of this counting kicks thing. I'm getting kind of nervous, some days I don't notice any movement at all.

sebullows

I always heard the 10 kicks in 2 hours, bus after I ended up in L&D my paperwork said 4 every hour.

lb1117

My goal from my midwife is 10 in an hour. If I get anything less than 6, call. I'm doing them daily.