When and how should I count fetal kicks?

Question

Accepted Answer

A fetal kick count is a way to monitor fetal well-being by counting movements over a set time. Per ACOG Practice Bulletin #229 (2021), high-risk pregnancies should start daily counts from 28 weeks; normal pregnancies typically start at 28 weeks or by 36 weeks at the latest. The most widely used method is the British Cardiff 'Count to 10' (1970s): after a meal, lie on your side and time how long it takes to feel 10 movements — usually under 2 hours. If fewer than 10 in 2 hours, a significant decrease from your baseline, or no movement at all, contact your obstetrician or labor and delivery immediately for evaluation, typically a non-stress test (NST). Decreased fetal movement can be an early sign of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), low amniotic fluid, gestational hypertension, or rarely stillbirth, so the golden window matters. This calculator records time and counts as a reference tool and does not replace medical evaluation.