You should be feeling your baby move every day by about 20 weeks. It is important to start keeping track, because a reduced fetal kick count can indicate fetal distress and/or dysfunction of the placenta. By 36 weeks, it is best to do a count every day.
Here’s how: Choose the time of day when your baby is often moving the most. (Usually shortly after you eat) Lie down on your left side. When you feel the baby move, note down the time. Count every kick or movement until you get to ten. (Each separate movement - for example, the baby kicks and rolls at the same time, that counts as two movements) At the tenth kick, note the time again. The test is now completed. Most often your baby will move ten times in 10 or 20 minutes.
Call your doctor right away if:
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Your baby has not moved 10 times within an hour or two.
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It takes longer and longer each day for your baby to move ten times.
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You have not felt the baby move all day.
