Baby Kick Counter

OpenMFM.org · High-Risk Pregnancy

ACOG
Ready to start — tap the button to begin
🎉
Goal Reached!
10 movements in — min — sec
0
movements
Goal: 10
0:00 / 2:00 hr max
What to watch for
All Good
You feel 10 movements within 2 hours, and baby's pattern feels similar to other days.
⚠️
Let Your Doctor Know
Movements feel weaker or less frequent than usual over the past few days. Not urgent, but worth a call.
🚨
Call Right Now
Fewer than 10 movements in 2 hours, baby has gone quiet, or something suddenly feels very different. Do not wait.
📞
If you're worried — call now
Your instinct matters. Call your provider or go to Labor & Delivery. Even after hours. Even on weekends. Never wait until your next appointment.

This tool is for education only. It does not give medical advice. All decisions should be made with your healthcare provider.

How to count kicks
1
When to start
Begin at 28 weeks. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, twins, or a previous loss — start at 26 weeks.
2
Pick the same time each day
Evenings work best — babies are most active after dinner. Choose a time you can stick to every day.
3
Lie on your left side
This position improves blood flow to your uterus and helps your baby move more.
4
What counts as a movement
Any kick, roll, flutter, swish, or poke. Hiccups do not count — they feel like a steady rhythm.
5
Your goal: 10 movements in 2 hours
Most babies reach 10 in under 30 minutes. If you don't feel 10 in 2 hours, contact your provider.
6
Learn YOUR baby's pattern
Counting daily helps you learn what's normal for your baby. A change in the pattern is often more important than any single number.
7
If baby seems asleep
Babies sleep for 20–40 minutes at a stretch. Try a cold drink or light snack, then wait a bit before recounting.
Does this apply to me?

Select any conditions that apply to your pregnancy. We'll tell you when to start counting.

Gestational Diabetes
Type 1 or 2 Diabetes
High Blood Pressure or Preeclampsia
Baby Measuring Small (FGR/SGA)
Twins or Multiples
Prior Pregnancy Loss
Obesity (BMI ≥ 30)
Age 35 or Older
Thyroid Disease
Autoimmune Disease
Placenta in Front (Anterior Placenta)
📅 Recommended Start
Based on your conditions, begin kick counting at 26 weeks.
Why this matters

Your baby's movements are one of the most direct signs of how they're doing. A slowdown in movement is often one of the first warning signs that something needs attention.

Stillbirth affects about 1 in 175 pregnancies in the U.S. Research shows that regular kick counting — combined with quick action when something feels off — can prevent many of these losses.

Bonus: Taking a few quiet minutes each day to focus on your baby's movements is a beautiful bonding experience. 84% of women who track kicks report feeling more connected to their baby.

📞
Always trust your gut
If you feel something is wrong with your baby's movement, call your provider or go to Labor & Delivery. Don't wait for your next appointment.
💜
Count the Kicks
Free app & education by Healthy Birth Day, Inc. — recommended by ACOG
Count the Kicks FAQ
Answers to common questions about fetal movement
🤰
American Pregnancy Assoc.
Plain-language guide to counting baby kicks
📋
ACOG Committee Opinion #828
Official guidelines on antenatal fetal surveillance
🏥
SMFM
Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine
📖
Burgess et al. (2024)
Standardizing fetal movement monitoring reduced delays in care and improved patient empowerment

This tool was created by Atlanta Perinatal Associates for use in high-risk pregnancy care. It is based on ACOG, SMFM, and Count the Kicks guidelines.

Developed via OpenMFM.org and DoctorsWhoCode.blog.

⚠️ This tool is for educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. All clinical decisions must be made with a qualified healthcare provider. In an emergency, call your provider or go to the nearest Labor & Delivery unit immediately.