Kick Counter
The classic 'count to 10' method: at your baby's usual active time, tap each movement and stop at ten. Most babies get there within two hours.
When to call: the goal is learning your baby's normal. If you notice a clear drop in movement, fewer than 10 within two hours of counting, or a sudden change in pattern — call your provider right away, day or night. Never wait until the next day.
Why count kicks
Kick counting in the third trimester (commonly from week 28) is recommended by ACOG as a simple way to monitor fetal well-being. The 'count to 10' approach is the best-studied version: most healthy babies register ten movements within two hours, and a change from your baby's pattern is the signal that matters — not any fixed number.
Questions people ask
What counts as a movement?
Any distinct movement you feel — kicks, jabs, rolls, flutters. Hiccups are regular and rhythmic; most guidance excludes them, so count them once if at all.
My baby reached 10 in 15 minutes — now what?
Great sign. Note the time it took, and count again tomorrow around the same time. You are building a picture of your baby's normal, which is exactly the point.