Kick Count Charts

Pregnancy

Kick Count Charts

What is a Kick Count Chart ??

A kick count chart is a graph or grid printed on a piece of paper with spaces to record the daily movements of your baby. Kick count charts are mainly used for women who express concern about their baby's movements or if they have a health condition or pregnancy complications that may put their baby at an increased risk. Some health care providers use kick count charts as a routine part of care for all women during late pregnancy.

Counting the movements:- Health care providers will usually provide their own kick charts, but they are pretty straight forward and you could even draw one up yourself or just record the date, times and movements on a piece of paper. The charts are aimed at recording your baby's movements, not just kicks.

This means a flutter, elbow, roll, push, jab and stretch all count as 'kicks'. Also if your baby has some rigorous movements that go 'kick', 'kick', 'kick' within a very short space of time, this is regarded as 3 movements, not just '1 group' of movements. As a guide, there are two common methods used for monitoring a baby's movements with kick count charts. As you will see, there are many inconsistencies in what is regarded as adequate movements. But if you are concerned contact your health care provider.

The Cardiff Count To Ten Method:- This uses an 8 to 12 hour period to record at least 10 of your baby's movements. The time period you choose will depend on when you think your baby is most active, for example in the evenings. If your baby has at least 10 movements within this 12 hour period they are thought to be well.

If your baby has not moved in 12 hours or you are concerned, you should contact your health care provider. When charting, start your timing at around the same time each day. The first time you feel your baby move, record the time and write it down on your graph. Try to count every movement or kick until your baby has moved ten times. When you feel your tenth movement, write down the time (or put an X in the box corresponding to that time).

One To Two Hour Method:- This involves lying quietly on your left side for about 30 minutes after eating (without distractions). After your evening meal may be a good time if this is when your baby is most active. Your baby should move about 3 to 5 times within an hour to 75 minutes. If you are concerned you should contact your health care provider. You can bring your kick count chart with you to your routine pregnancy appointments.

If you do contact your health care provider because you are concerned about your baby's movements, they may suggest you go to the hospital labor and delivery floor for a non-stress test (NST). This is involves your baby's heart rate being continuously monitored with a electronic fetal monitor for about 20 to 40 minutes. The paper readout is marked every time your baby moves, with their heart rate reacting (ideally by increasing) soon after the movement. Sometimes the health care provider will use a vibroacoustic stimulator. This is placed on your belly near your baby's head, making a loud buzzing noise to wake up your baby.