Kick Counts

Here is what I did instead of an official kick count.  I would just notice if the baby moved at least 3 times within 10-15 min after each meal.  If he didn't then I would drink some juice and pay closer attention. 

With my first pregnancy I did this and I noticed right away when the baby didn't move after breakfast one morning.  I drank some juice and still no movement.  I called the Dr. and they had me drink more juice, I should have said no and just gone in.  I felt in my gut something was wrong.  I called back and did go in.  He was under stress and delivered Emergency c-section.   I was 34 weeks along at the time.  I saved Devon's life by being aware of his movements.   You can read Devon's birth story HERE

I used the same method with my second pregnancy.  Just making sure he moved after each meal and if he didn't I paid closer attention.  I only worried 2 times with him and each time after drinking juice he ended up moving a lot.  I did the same with my 3rd pregnancy as well. 

I think most people don't have the time to sit down and record the number of kicks they feel for an hour a night, so the 3 times after each meal is easier to do, but will still alert you if you need to pay closer attention.  Whenever you have any concerns I suggest you call your caregiver right away.  Mom's are blessed with a powerful intuition, if YOU feel strongly there is a situation, trust your instincts and insist on being seen right away.