Why Tracking Baby Kicks During Pregnancy Matters for Your Baby’s Health
- Carlos Ramirez
- Jul 24
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 14
Why Is It Important to Track Baby Kicks During Pregnancy?
Monitoring fetal movements is a powerful way to keep tabs on your baby’s wellbeing during pregnancy. Baby kicks, rolls, and flutters are reassuring signs that your baby is active and healthy. That’s why most healthcare professionals encourage tracking fetal movements in the third trimester.
By recognizing your baby’s typical movement pattern, you’re better equipped to notice any significant changes—especially a decrease in activity—which can be an early indicator of potential complications.
When Do You Start Feeling Baby Kicks?
According to the American Pregnancy Association, most expectant mothers begin to feel fetal movements between 18–25 weeks of pregnancy. These early flutters, known as quickening, may feel like bubbles or soft taps.
Medical experts—including ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) and NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence)—recommend beginning daily kick counting at around 28 weeks, or the start of the third trimester. However, if there are risk factors for fetal distress or prior pregnancy complications, your provider may suggest starting earlier.
How Many Kicks Should You Feel?
The general recommendation is to feel at least 10 movements within 2 hours. But every pregnancy is unique. Some babies may reach 10 kicks in just 30 minutes, while others may take longer. What matters most is knowing what’s normal for your baby.
If you notice a decrease in fetal movement or a change in your baby’s usual pattern, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider promptly. Trust your instincts—they are often right.
Tips for Counting Kicks Effectively
🍼 Choose the Right Time
Track kicks at a time when your baby is usually most active. For many moms, this is after meals or in the evening.
🛋️ Get Comfortable
Lie on your left side or sit with your back supported and feet up. This position boosts blood flow and helps you focus on movement.
⏱️ Time It Right
Track for up to 2 hours until you feel 10 movements. Movements can include kicks, rolls, swishes, or jabs.
📱 Use a Kick Counter App
Simplify the process with tools like Kick Cub, built into the Cubtale app, which helps you log fetal movements easily and spot changes over time.
📝 Keep a Record
Maintain a log to share with your doctor. A consistent record helps spot patterns and supports early detection of any concerns.
📞 When to Call Your Doctor
If you notice fewer movements or feel concerned at any point, don’t wait—reach out to your healthcare provider.
Why Cubtale Helps You Track Kicks With Confidence
At Cubtale, we believe in empowering parents with the tools they need to care confidently. The Kick Cub feature in our app is designed to make fetal movement tracking simple, reliable, and reassuring. Start building your baby’s health story from the very beginning—right from the kicks.
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