When to check for kick counts (specifically STM)

Third&goal · April 2014

I think around now (20 weeks) we are supposed to do kick counts? I know I've been feeling the baby quite often for the past few weeks but some times I stop and think I can't remember when I last felt it. Maybe because I'm a busier STM or maybe it's too early for it to be regular?

I don't go back to the OB for another few weeks but AS was healthy.

PecanSam · April 2014

Pretty sure kick count is much later. Closer to 30 weeks.

rockyrollgirl · April 2014

Yeah...I thought it was later. Maybe brought up at 28 weeks?

missmiss307 · April 2014

My doctor never made me do kick counts, but I'm also pretty sure it's 30 weeks. At 20 weeks, baby still has so much room to move around that they're going to be really inconsistent.

Also, if it makes you feel better, there was one day this week when I felt baby move a ton but only flutters and an occasional kick since then.

loulou182 · April 2014

A couple of days ago I felt the baby like crazy. Today and yesterday I haven't felt her at all. I can hear her on the doppler though, so I know she's okay.

jarethinafrock · April 2014

I will be 21 weeks tomorrow and I am still not feeling very much. I also heard that you start your kick counts at 28 weeks.

kiley820 · April 2014

I also have heard around 28w. Anyone know if it's true that the last couple days/weeks you may not feel as much because baby has little to no room to move around? I thought someone told me that, or am I mistaken?!

So much to worry about! Ah! I keep saying I cant wait for him to be here so I can stop worrying about every little thing. But then it's just going to be a different kind of worry..who am I kidding?!

missmiss307 · April 2014

Just to clarify my earlier statement about my doctor saying not to do kick counts, she just told me not to count, only pay attention that the baby was active several times throughout the day. Advice from people on the internet is lovely, but in the end, listen to what your doctor says about this, including when to start paying attention to it.

MC03 · April 2014

My MW things kick counts are stupid and cause unnecessary worry. She said just make sure I feel baby everyday at least once, and even then don't worry about that until closer to 30w.

Valancyy · April 2014

I was never told to do kick counts, but I did them anyway. I usually had all my kicks in within 5 minutes.

PecanSam · April 2014

They didn't have me do kick counts the first time either.

tabaskoa · April 2014

potterowl said:

not til 28 weeks and everyone should do them. my mom works with the doctor that has done the original and most of the research on kick counts and they are super important... 10 movements in an hour, if not in first hour, do one more hour, if still not 10 movements, go to labor and delivery is the standard.

Fwiw I never felt ds that much during my entire pregnancy and he was fine. If I had followed the above I would have lived at l&d. So please nobody start freaking about kick counts especially this early. Your doc will let you know when and if to be worried. Eta I think it's more important to notice if the movement pattern changes so for example if you have been feeling baby 10 times an hour and then one day it's only 3 times that's an issue.

GoodWolf · April 2014

ACOG recommends to start at 30 weeks. I was miffed when the baby center app brought up the subject of kick counts at 22 weeks, so I sent them an quick email about it citing a source. That kind of thing can cause a lot of undue worry! This LO is super active but I can go hours without feeling a kick still, because she's so small. Also, anterior placentas are still blocking a lot of movement at this point. Save yourself worry and start at 30 unless your OB says otherwise

ebp913 · April 2014

Never unless your doctor says you need to.

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When to check for kick counts (specifically STM)

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