Pregnancy tool

Kick Counter — Fetal Movement Tracker

Start a session and tap once for each movement. Track how long it takes your baby to reach 10 movements, and build a picture of what's normal — so you can notice any change.

Last reviewed 20 May 2026

Find a quiet moment when your baby is usually active. Start a session, then tap once for each distinct movement until you reach 10.

Session history

No sessions yet. Completed sessions appear here so you can watch your baby's daily pattern.

Sessions are saved on this device only. Kick counting is generally suggested from around 28 weeks. You know your baby's normal pattern best — any noticeable reduction in movement warrants contacting your provider straight away. Medical disclaimer.

How to use the kick counter

  1. Choose a time when your baby is usually active — often after a meal or in the evening.
  2. Get comfortable. Lying on your left side is ideal; it tends to make movements easier to feel.
  3. Tap Start a kick session, then tap the big circle once for every distinct movement.
  4. When you reach 10, the session is saved automatically with the time it took.
  5. Repeat daily — over time you'll see what's normal for your baby.

Background: why fetal movement matters

A baby's pattern of movement is one of the few signals of wellbeing you can monitor yourself between prenatal visits. Movements usually become consistent and noticeable from around 28 weeks. Counting them does two things: it builds your awareness of what is normal for your baby, and it gives you a concrete prompt to seek care if that normal changes.

The "count to 10" approach

Rather than counting movements in a fixed window, the modern approach is to count how long it takes to reach 10 movements. Most healthy sessions reach 10 comfortably within 2 hours — frequently within 30 minutes. The clock matters less than consistency: the same baby tends to reach 10 in a roughly similar time day to day.

There is no universal magic number

Research has not pinned down one fetal-movement count that applies to every pregnancy. Babies differ, and each has quiet (sleep) phases of 20–40 minutes, sometimes longer. The signal that matters is a change from your baby's own established pattern — which is exactly why tracking sessions over days is more useful than any single number.

How to interpret your sessions

  • Reaches 10 within ~2 hours, consistently: typical and reassuring.
  • Suddenly much slower than your baby's normal: try a snack, cold drink, and position change — then recount.
  • Still concerned, or any reduction you notice: contact your provider the same day. Always.

Never let a tool delay you. If something feels off about your baby's movement, the right action is to be assessed — promptly, and without guilt.

What this tool does NOT do

  • It does not diagnose fetal wellbeing — only monitoring by your provider can.
  • It does not define a "pass/fail" movement count.
  • It does not replace seeking care for reduced movement — it complements it.

Sources

  • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists — guidance on fetal movement and antepartum fetal surveillance.
  • Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Green-top Guideline No. 57: Reduced Fetal Movements.
  • NHS — Your baby's movements during pregnancy.
  • Tommy's / Kicks Count — public-health guidance on monitoring fetal movement patterns.

See our methodology. This tool is not a substitute for medical advice — read the medical disclaimer.

Frequently asked questions

When should I start counting kicks?
Kick counting is generally suggested from around 28 weeks (the start of the third trimester), when movement patterns become more established and consistent. Some providers suggest starting at 26 weeks for higher-risk pregnancies. Follow your provider's advice on timing.
How does 'count to 10' work?
Pick a time of day when your baby is usually active, get comfortable (lying on your side is ideal), start a session, and tap once for each distinct movement — kicks, rolls, jabs, flutters all count. Note how long it takes to reach 10. Most healthy sessions reach 10 well within 2 hours, and often much sooner.
What counts as a movement?
Any distinct movement: a kick, a roll, a jab, a swish, or a flutter. Hiccups are usually not counted as movements. Count separate movements — if there's a flurry, count them individually as best you can.
What if it takes longer than 2 hours?
First, it may just mean the baby is in a quiet/sleep phase — try a cold drink, a snack, lying on your side, or gently changing position, then count again. But if you are at all concerned about reduced movement, contact your provider straight away. Do not wait, and do not let a calculator or app talk you out of seeking care. You know your baby's normal pattern best.
Is there an official 'normal' number of kicks?
There is no single universal threshold — research has not established one specific count that fits everyone. The most important signal is a change from YOUR baby's normal pattern. That's why tracking sessions over days is useful: it shows you what's typical for your baby so you can notice a meaningful change.
What should I do if I notice reduced movement?
Contact your maternity provider or birth unit immediately — the same day, not 'tomorrow'. Reduced fetal movement can sometimes be the first sign of a problem, and prompt assessment is important. It is always appropriate to get checked; providers would far rather see you for reassurance than have you wait.
Are my sessions saved?
Completed sessions are saved in your browser's local storage on this device, so you can watch your baby's pattern over days. They are not synced to an account or another device. Use 'Clear' to remove the history.