Baby movements and kick counting

Get to know your baby’s usual pattern, how a kick count works if your care team asks for one, and when to call straight away.

From the middle of pregnancy most people start to feel their baby move: a flutter at first, later kicks, rolls and jerks. There is no set number of movements to feel each day; every baby is different. What matters is getting to know your baby’s usual pattern (NHS).

Call straight away if movements change

Call your midwife or maternity unit immediately if your baby is moving less than usual, you cannot feel your baby moving anymore, or the pattern of movements changes. Do not wait until the next day, and do not wait to finish a count (NHS).

Kick counting, if your care team asks for it

Advice differs between countries. UK guidance says you do not need to count kicks each day. Some care teams elsewhere ask you to time how long it takes to feel 10 movements. If yours does:

1. Pick a time when your baby is usually active, and sit or lie on your side.
2. Start the count and tap once for each movement you feel: kicks, rolls, swishes.
3. Note how long it takes to reach 10, and compare with your own earlier counts rather than with other babies.

Your team decides what a count means for you. A count is a record to share with them, not a test you pass or fail.

Counting with Birthtide

Birthtide’s kick counter takes one tap per movement, stops at 10 or after two hours, and keeps past sessions on your iPhone. The counter shows the same reminder as this page: if movements decrease, stop or change, contact your maternity team immediately.

General information, not medical advice. Written by the developer of Birthtide; follow the advice of your midwife or doctor. Checked 29 October 2026.

Sources

• NHS — Your baby’s movements

Other guides

• How to time contractionsMeasure duration and frequency the way care teams ask for it: frequency from the start of one contraction to the start of the next.
• The 5-1-1 rule for contractionsWhat 5-1-1, 4-1-1 and 3-1-1 mean, how to check them with a timer, and why your care team’s advice comes first.
• How to choose a contraction timer appNine things to check before labor: start-to-start timing, one-handed use, saving offline, no pop-ups, privacy, a rule you choose, reports for your midwife and the price.