My doctor instructed me to record and track the fetal kick count of my baby on a daily basis starting at Week 28. I was instructed to:

• Count the time it takes for the baby to make 10 kicks (movements) which includes kicks, turns, twists, swishes, rolls and jabs. The baby should move 10 times in less than 2 hours.

• Select a time of day when the baby is most active. For most women, fetal movement typically peaks after meals, after activity and in the evening.

• Do the kick count at the same time every day.

• Do the kick count on your side, not your back.

• On a scrap piece of paper, I write down the time of the baby’s first kick (movement) and the time of the 10th kick.

• The baby may kick less than usual, or have less than 10 kicks in 2 hours. You can wake up the baby by drinking fluid (something cold or sweet) or by walking for 5 minutes. Repeat the kick count.

• After repeating the kick count, if the baby still has less than 10 kicks in 2 hours or there is a decrease or significant change in fetal movement, CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY.

• If NO movement was felt during the initial 2 hours, do not repeat the kick count, CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY.

• Take the kick count number (in minutes) and enter it in to the Fetal Kick Count Tracker every day.

• Print your chart and take it to your next doctor visit! There are 3 cool views in this tracker Daily Trend (I love this one! Such cool colors), Average Minutes Per Day and Average Minutes Per Week.

Again, this is the method my doctor asked me to use when counting kicks. Please CHECK WITH YOUR OWN DOCTOR for instructions on he/she would like you to perform the fetal kick count.

For additional information on fetal movement, please check out the following resource:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fetal_movement