What is the Importance of Baby Kick Counting During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy might have put you into a lot of to-do lists like what to eat and what not to, exercises according to your growing bump, sleeping routine and many more. Are you ready to take on one more task? You have to obviously! In order to check the wellbeing of your baby - count the kicks. As simple and straight as it may sound, kick counting is all the cute little kicks that you receive from your baby as an indication of how he/she is doing in your tummy! Now that’s an interesting way to communicate with your baby, isn't it?

Why should you count your baby’s kicks?

Just the thought that you have a baby growing in your tummy might give you chills! You must be even more surprised when you first feel your baby kick. Your baby might kick for two reasons - either out of reflex in the early stages or move in a controlled manner as per its brain’s functions at a later point of time. This is essential to understand if your baby is in a good state in the womb. It’s also like an exercise in the womb ( yes, they need their workouts too!) moving his/her arms, legs, and neck in the trimester.

Counting kicks helps in understanding how active your baby is, his/her active hours and how responsive your baby is in the womb. At times, if you are under high - risk pregnancy, kick counts even helps in saving your child.

What makes your baby kick?

Well, your baby might kick for several reasons like the below -

• When you aren't moving for long and when they want you to react to your decreasing sugar levels in the blood.

• When you are laughing out loud, listening to music or even talking to them - Awe!

• When you eat something that's sweet or too cold, they kick immediately

• Simply flashlight over your tummy and there you go with another kick!

• Lie down on your left and he/she will respond to it

• Eat a snack that's healthy or has a juice and watches them respond to your blood sugar levels.

• Sing a lullaby at one point of time every day and your baby will respond with movements

Once your baby starts growing in the womb, from the 12th week to the 26th week of pregnancy, this is what happens. When he/she starts growing, initially, being too small, it is difficult for you to interpret their kicks. Some pregnant women mistake these as pain or disturbance due to hunger. At a later stage say after 20 weeks, the kicks can be felt very strongly and you can start counting it! It's also called as ‘quickening’. After 24 weeks, your baby will start poking you. Be ready!

But that is nothing to be scared of. Enjoy every stage of their kicks and keep counting.

What is the Kick Counting Procedure?

1. You can start counting your baby kicks once you reach the 28th week as that is when your baby’s arms and legs are well grown. Also, he/she is ready to blow you with an array of movements.

2. Remember to track kicks during the same time of the day. You must analyze that time of the day when you think your baby is active. Do not choose a time when he/she rests and then go panicky as there wouldn't be any kicks when the little one is resting!

3. Usually, the baby kicks 3 times in 30 minutes or 10 times in an hour. If it doesn't reach 10 counts in an hour or two, you needn't panic. Just have a snack or juice and take note again. It will help. If you don't seem to feel any signs of movements, then it is advised to evaluate under doctor’s guidance.

4. Also, follow this routine while you are seated in a very comfortable position lying to your left or sitting. Avoid multitasking while you are counting your baby’s kicks as that might distract and let you lose counts.

5. Even mild movements like stretching, breathing, turning are considered as kicks.

The general rule of thumb - Not all babies kick the same way! Each one differs.

Things to remember about baby kicks

• If you find any change in the movements or kick counts, ensure you report it to your doctor immediately.

• One baby’s kicks needn't necessarily be similar to that of the other. Even the same mother will have two different kick patterns for two different babies being delivered at two different points of time.

• Observe the kick timings and movements as to when he/she is active and at rest. Follow the same.

• Your baby must improve in movements as days goes by rather than a decline in movements.

When should you be concerned?

When you realize that the kick counts timings are changing swiftly from one kick to another or if you feel something suspicious within, report immediately to the concerned. Also, if you find no response from your baby for long hours, he/she might not be provided with enough oxygen supply. So consult the doctor and treat it immediately.

What are the causes of declined baby kicks?

Learn the reasons behind declined kicks -

• Declined kicks might be due to lack of enough nutrition in your body. If you aren't moving or standing/sitting still for long hours, your baby might not respond.

• Your emotional state also directly impacts your baby’s movements and kicks.

• When the flow of blood and oxygen isn't sufficient there occurs a decline in kicks.

• Again, due to stress and improper supply of oxygen might decrease the amniotic fluid thereby decreasing the fetal movements.

• When the umbilical cord is twisted or damaged, due to lack of proper oxygen supply, your baby might not respond properly.

• Consult your doctor on this situation. Through an ultrasound scan, your doctor will be able to detect the reason behind declining kicks and movements.

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Conclusion

To conclude, besides just kicking, your baby will also move, suck his/her thumb, twist and turn which might also make you feel like kicks. All these are nothing but healthy movements, making you understand how healthy your baby is in the womb breathing and moving. This will have a direct impact on how your baby will be post pregnancy. If you are prepared to handle all the tiny movements to those large jabs from your baby, then there you go! Cheers to a healthy parenting lifestyle.

References

1. Heazell AE, Frøen JF. (2008). Methods of fetal movement counting and the detection of fetal compromise.
2. University of Michigan Health System. (2016). Fetal Movement Counting