When should kick counts be monitored during pregnancy?

Monitoring kick counts during pregnancy is typically recommended to begin around 28 weeks of gestation. This timeframe aligns with the point in pregnancy when fetal movements become more pronounced and easier for the mother to detect. By this stage, the fetus has developed sufficiently, and its movements are reflective of its well-being.

Kick counts serve as an important method for assessing fetal health and reassuring the mother about her baby's condition. A marked decrease in the frequency or strength of fetal movements can indicate potential issues that may require further evaluation by a healthcare provider.

While monitoring can begin after the first trimester, or as early as 20 weeks, it is most commonly advised starting at 28 weeks since this is when the patterns of movement become more established and notable. Monitoring during labor is also not advisable for assessing fetal health in the same way, as the dynamics differ significantly during that time. Thus, the recommended timeframe for kick counts is indeed around 28 weeks of gestation.