Posted on October 15, 2025 by A Grateful Mom
I’m a planner. I like lists, schedules, and data. So when I got pregnant, I read all the books and downloaded all the apps. But nothing prepared me for the anxiety that crept in during the third trimester. Every quiet period from my baby sent my mind racing. Was she okay? Was she just sleeping? Should I call the doctor?
My OB-GYN recommended I start counting kicks. At first, I just did it mentally, but I would lose track or forget the start time. It felt disorganized and just added to my stress. Then I found a fetal movement counter app, and it was a complete game-changer.
"It turned my anxiety into action. I finally had a concrete tool to help me understand what was going on."
Every evening after dinner, my husband and I would sit on the couch for our "counting time." He’d put his hand on my belly, I’d open the app, and we’d start the timer. It became a ritual we both looked forward to.
The app quickly showed me my baby’s pattern. She was a night owl, and it usually took her about 12-15 minutes to get to 10 movements. Seeing that data, day after day, was incredibly reassuring. The graph in the app showed a steady, consistent pattern of activity.
One Tuesday, things felt different. It was evening, her usual active time, but she was quiet. I started a session on the app. 15 minutes went by. Then 30. Then 45. My heart started to pound, but instead of panicking, I had a plan. I drank a glass of cold juice, lay on my left side, and tried again. After another 30 minutes, I had only felt three weak movements.
Because I had weeks of data showing her normal pattern, I knew this was a significant change. I called my doctor’s after-hours line without hesitation. I didn’t have to say, “I think she’s moving less.” I could say, “It has been an hour and a half and I’ve only felt three movements, and she normally kicks 10 times in under 20 minutes.”
They had me come in to the hospital for monitoring. Everything turned out to be fine—she was just having a very deep sleep cycle—but the nurses and my doctor all praised me for coming in. They said I did exactly the right thing. The peace of mind I felt after hearing her strong heartbeat on the monitor was immeasurable.
For the rest of my pregnancy, I never doubted the importance of counting kicks. It wasn’t a chore; it was my connection to my baby and my number one tool for managing anxiety. It empowered me to be a proactive partner in my own care, and for that, I am so grateful.
Disclaimer: This is a personal story and not medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for any health concerns.
Back to Blog