One, Two, Three: Counting with Baby
Observing your baby's movements over time can help you learn their usual pattern of pulls and tugs [1].
Typically, women who are expecting their first child begin to feel movements at 20-22 weeks, and those who have already had pregnancies can feel the movement of the fetus at 16 weeks [2].
Should the movements be counted?
There’s no need to count kicks or write them down: there’s no set number of movements you should feel each day, and every baby is different. What matters is getting to know your baby’s usual pattern of movements from day to day.
Feeling your baby's movements is subjective, but you should listen to your intuition. If you are worried your baby is moving less than usual, call your doctor or maternity unit right away — don’t wait until the next day. Studies disagree on whether counting movements eases maternal anxiety or adds to it; what matters is getting to know your baby’s usual pattern.
