Your Baby’s Movements
At about 5 months (19-24 weeks), you will begin to feel your baby move, kick, twist, or turn. Usually, by 24-26 weeks the baby is moving regularly.
After 28 weeks, a healthy baby moves 10 times or more within 2 hours after you have had something to eat or drink. Remember, babies take naps and will sleep anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes at a time.
How to do a Movement Count
Start when you are 28 weeks pregnant. You should feel your baby move between meals every day. But do the formal movement counting once a day during your baby’s most active time. For many women, this is in the evening, or after a meal.
- Write down the time you start on the attached chart.
- Place a check in the box each time your baby kicks, twists, or turns.
- After your baby has moved 10 times, write down the time again. It may take up to two full hours.
If your baby has not moved:
- Eat and drink something such as orange juice, peanut butter crackers, a sandwich, or a glass of milk.
- Wait about 5 minutes.
- Rest on your left side, if possible, and try again.
Do movement counts every day after 28 weeks of pregnancy, and fill in the chart.
Please bring the chart with you to your prenatal appointments.
If you do not feel 10 movements in 2 hours during your baby’s most active time, please call the May-Grant office at 717-397-8177 and ask to speak with an obstetric nurse specialist, nurse care coordinator, or provider.
