You can start counting baby kicks around the start of your third trimester, typically at about 28 weeks of pregnancy. Before that, movements may feel like fluttering or subtle activity and patterns aren’t as reliable, but you’ll usually begin to notice them earlier, often between 16 and 22 weeks depending on your body and prior pregnancies. Here’s a practical guide:
- When to start counting
- Start regular kick counts at around 28 weeks, especially if you have a typical pregnancy with no risk factors. If you have a high-risk pregnancy or specific concerns, your clinician may advise starting earlier or tailoring the approach. [source guidance aligns with standard obstetric practice for kick counts around 28 weeks]
- How to perform kick counts
- Choose a quiet time when you’re usually resting or after a meal, and lie on your left side or sit comfortably.
- Count the number of discrete movements (kicks, punches, rolls, or nudges) you feel within a specific time frame, commonly 1 hour.
- A common target is to feel 10 movements within an hour. If you consistently reach 10 movements within an hour, that’s typically reassuring. If you don’t reach 10 movements within a 2-hour window or you notice a sudden change in movement patterns, contact your healthcare provider promptly. [general clinical guidance reflected across standard resources]
- What movement patterns to expect
- Fetal movements can be felt as early as 14–26 weeks for some people, with stronger and more regular patterns emerging in the third trimester. Movement can vary by time of day, activity, and placenta position. If you’re unsure, discuss what’s normal for you with your provider.
- When to seek medical advice
- A noticeable change in activity, a sudden reduction in movement, or movements that feel markedly different from your baseline warrants contacting your healthcare professional promptly. This is especially important in the third trimester.
If you’d like, I can tailor these guidelines to your specific situation (e.g., first pregnancy, known risk factors, or placenta location) and summarize what your provider might recommend.
