Keep in mind that even if the baby’s movements are decreased, you may still go on to have a healthy baby. Fetal kick counts can also help you learn your baby’s sleeping and waking cycles, and it is an excellent way for you to bond with your baby before he/she is born.

If this is your first pregnancy, you will not notice the baby kicking until you are closer to 25 weeks. [2] X Research source The baby will be moving, but you will not feel it. For second or third time mothers, babies usually begin to start kicking around 18 weeks. [3] X Research source For high risk pregnancies, doctors recommend that the mother begins documenting fetal kick counts at 26 weeks.

In the third trimester, the baby begins to demonstrate waking and sleeping cycles. When awake, the baby should kick frequently (at least 10 times in two hours). When sleeping, the baby will be still. You should be able to identify patterns of when the baby is asleep and awake from feeling the kicks.

Remember to always track your kick counts in a journal or notebook. For more on this process, see part 2.

You can also try to coax some movement out of your baby by eating a meal or drinking something sugary, like a cup of juice. [7] X Research source

The baby is not getting enough oxygen. The baby could have shifted to an awkward position, such as into a breech (sideways) position. Changes in position are normal and they may result in decreased fetal movements. The baby has died in the womb.

In most pregnancies, babies will be the most active between 9pm and 1am, as this is a time when mothers are relaxed enough to notice their baby’s movements.

The ideal position is to lay on your side, with your head propped up comfortably with a pillow. This should help you feel the kicks more firmly. You can also rest in a recliner with your feet in the air. Not only is this position comfortable, but you will still be able to feel your baby’s kicks. Before you start counting the kicks, write down what week of pregnancy you are in, the day, as well as the starting time of the kicks. [11] X Research source

You should count only up to ten kicks, and note how long it took for you to feel the baby move ten times. [13] X Research source Write down the time of the first movement, and the time of the tenth or last movement. [14] X Research source

WEEK 29 Sunday, 9/27, 9:00pm, XXXXXXXXXX, 11:00pm, 2 hrs Monday, 9/28, 9:15pm, XXXXXXXXXX, 10:45pm, 1 hr 30 mins Tuesday, 9/29, 9:00pm, XXXXXXXXXX, 11:45pm, 1 hr 45 mins Wednesday, 9/30, 9:30pm, XXXXXXXXXX, 10:45pm, 1 hr 15 mins Thursday, 10/1, 9:00pm, XXXXXXXXXX 10:30pm, 1 hr 30 mins

You may try tracking the movements at a later time if the baby doesn’t seem to be very active.