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Writer's pictureDanielle Daggett

Every Little Kick Counts…


As someone who’s pregnant for the first time, I’m now all too aware of the worries and anxiety that come with carrying a child. Of course, I know that during pregnancy there’s bound to be aches and pains here and there, - after all, my body is going through the biggest change of my life – but every little twinge has me wondering if something is wrong, and it can be hard to stay calm and keep telling myself it’s all just part of it. As I’m now just over halfway through, I’ve started to feel a little movement – tiny flutters and flips inside, a feeling impossible to describe. I’m not quite at the point yet where they’re classed as obvious kicks to keep a mental track of, but with my Kicks Count wristband at the ready, I’m prepared for that next, exciting stage.




Kicks Count is a UK charity raising awareness of the importance of fetal movements.


Over the years there has been some confusion around what is expected when it comes to baby’s movements, as multiple organisations were giving different advice. Kicks Count have joined forces with the NHS, Department of Health, Bounty and other pregnancy charities to ensure everyone receives the same information.


The charity offers a wealth of help and advice in 18 languages, along with support for those who have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth and infant loss. The website and social media pages feature a number of incredible real-life stories from families across the globe. The online shop is home to various charity goodies, including pregnancy journals, tote bags and their famous, award-winning wristbands, which help mums-to-be to keep a track of baby’s daily movements. It has a plastic slider that can be moved along each time the mum feels a session of movement, helping her get to know what is normal for her baby.


The free Kicks Count App allows users to keep track of their baby’s movements on their smartphone. It’s currently the only fetal movement monitoring app that doesn’t stop at 10 kicks, allowing users to identify their baby’s individual pattern. It also allows users to contact their midwife direct from the app if they have any concerns about their baby’s wellbeing. The App has been approved by the NHS and can be downloaded for free!


Kicks Count aim to empower more mums-to-be to trust their instincts and get to know their baby’s regular pattern of movement.


For more information visit www.kickscount.org.uk









KICKS COUNT ADVICE…


When should I start to feel movement?

Most women begin to feel their baby move between 16 and 24 weeks. A baby’s movements can be described as anything from a kick, flutter, swish or roll and these may change as your pregnancy progresses.


How often should my baby move?

There is no set number of normal movements. Your baby will have their own pattern of movements that you should get to know. From 16 - 24 weeks onwards, you should feel the baby move more and more up until 32 weeks, they then stay roughly the same until you give birth.


What shall I do if I notice reduced movement?

If you think your baby’s movements have slowed down or stopped, contact your midwife or maternity unit immediately (it’s staffed 24 hours, 7 days a week). Do not put off calling until the next day to see what happens!


  • Do not worry about phoning, it’s important for your doctors and midwives to know if your baby’s movements have slowed down or stopped.


  • Do not use any hand-held monitors, dopplers, or phone apps to check your baby’s heartbeat. Even if you detect a heartbeat, this does not mean your baby is well. If you saw a person collapsed in the street would you check their pulse and walk away? No, you’d probably call an ambulance because this person is clearly unwell, even though they have a heartbeat. It is the same with a baby.


What if my baby’s movements are reduced again?

If, after your check-up, you are still not happy with your baby’s movements, you must contact either your midwife or maternity unit straight away, even if everything was normal last time. Never hesitate to contact your midwife or the maternity unit for advice, no matter how many times this happens.


Why are my baby’s movements important?

A reduction in a baby’s movements can sometimes be an important warning sign that a baby is unwell. Two out of three women who had a stillbirth noticed their baby’s movements had slowed down or stopped.


Is there anything I can use to help me keep track of my baby’s movements?

The most important thing is you are aware of them, but if you would like help to keep track, get yourself a Kicks Count wristband and download the App.





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