1. When they say to record how long it takes to feel 10 kicks/ movements, if my baby usually gets to 10 kicks in like 10-15 minutes, and one day it takes 30 minutes, is that cause for concern? Or is it ok because she kicked 10 times in an hour like they recommend?
2. I've read to do kick counts at the same time every day, usually during the baby's most active time which for me is at night. When they say the baby should kick at least 10 times in an hour, does that mean during the actual kick count when the baby is most active or does it mean that all day long during any given hour the baby should move at least 10 times? Because my baby tends to be the most active at night and she'll have bouts of energy throughout the day where she does kick or move 10 times but then she may go well over an hour or two without moving much- maybe once or twice. Then she seems to wake back up and might move several times.
My doctor said she usually doesn't recommend kick counting until like 35 weeks which I found odd. I figure why shouldn't I start paying attention now? I'm just about 30 weeks. I have an appointment on Thursday with another doctor in the practice so I intend to go over these with her too. Just was wondering how you all have been instructed to do this counting thing. Thanks!
As far as I understand it, counting kicks indicates where the baby's movement is at for the purpose of determining if there's a possible issue. If the kicks are extremely low, this can be a sign of distress. But they have to be really low in order to be a concern for the doctors - mine say less than 4 kicks in one hour or less than 10 in 2 hours. My baby is CONSTANTLY moving - even now at 7++ pounds and 36 weeks with no room left to move. I had an episode of panic last week and ended up feeling silly for it. She hadn't moved in 1/2 hour so I called L&D, they pulled my file and started getting ready for me to arrive. The second I hung up the phone she moved 6 times! Guess I had started counting right around the time she decided to nap. Keep in mind that (as I've read) babies usually sleep for 20 minutes at a time. Also be mindful of your position as you're counting, and that you're settled bathroom, drink, and snack-wise.
As far as not counting them at 30 weeks... I have no definite answer, only speculation. My guess would be related to size... when they're smaller you can't feel nearly everything that's going on so a low count may not be related to an issue. My reason for this guess is related to some monitoring I had at 28 weeks. I could see her move on ultrasound and hear hear move on the monitor, but I only actually felt maybe 1/3 of those movements. When you get closer to the end they really pack on the pounds (every week) and then you can feel every little movement.
