Baby's Movements
Generally speaking, pregnant woman can feel her baby's movements starting about 18 to 24 weeks. For woman who has given birth before, she can feel this even earlier. As the baby grows, the movements will become more obvious and regular.
Pregnant woman won't feel small movements of her baby, such as thumb sucking or stretching of fingers and toes. She will feel kicking, rolling movements and perhaps hiccups (small rhythmic twitches) during the last trimester (after 28 weeks) of the pregnancy. All these movements are most obvious in the last months of pregnancy and should be felt up to the time she goes into labour. Some women may not feel their babies move as much as or as strong as other mothers do, even though their babies are doing well.
Should pregnant woman record kick counts?
Being aware of the baby's movements each day is a very good habit. However, there is no need to keep a written record of the baby's movements routinely. Before birth, babies have sleep and wake cycles similar to those of a newborn baby. All healthy babies will be quiet or asleep for short periods of time which usually last less than 90 minutes. You will feel movements best when you relax while lying or sitting. You will feel your baby's movements least while standing, walking or if you are busy with other things.
Points to note
If you cannot feel the baby's movements by 24 weeks of gestation, you should consult a medical professional. Moreover, if you feel a decrease in the normal daily activity of your baby's movements during pregnancy, you should find a quiet place, lie on your side and concentrate on baby's movements. If you feel less than 10 baby's movements in two hours, you should consult your doctor or birthing hospital for further assessment immediately.