The 'Count to 10' Method: Is It the Best Way to Track Movements?

Posted on October 7, 2025

You've probably heard of the "Count to 10" method. It's one of the most widely recommended techniques for monitoring fetal movement. But what does it actually involve, and is it the best approach for every pregnancy? Let's break it down.

What is the 'Count to 10' Method?

The method is simple: once a day, during a time your baby is usually active, you time how long it takes to feel 10 distinct movements (kicks, flutters, rolls, etc.). If you feel 10 movements within a 2-hour window, it's considered reassuring.

Pros of the Method

It's Simple: The method is easy to remember and perform without any special equipment.
It's a Clear Benchmark: It provides a straightforward, yes-or-no answer to whether a counting session is reassuring. This can be helpful for reducing ambiguity.
It's a Widely Accepted Safety Net: If you don't feel 10 movements in 2 hours, it's a clear signal to call your healthcare provider.

Cons and Limitations

It Doesn't Track Patterns: The biggest limitation is that it doesn't tell you anything about your baby's unique patterns. For example, if your baby normally takes 20 minutes to get to 10 kicks, and one day it takes 90 minutes, the 'Count to 10' method would still consider that a pass. However, that's a significant change that is worth noting.
It Can Miss Subtle Changes: By focusing only on a single endpoint (10 kicks), you might miss more subtle decreases in your baby's overall activity level throughout the day.

A Better Approach: 'Count to 10' + Pattern Tracking

The best strategy is to combine the 'Count to 10' method with daily pattern tracking. Use the 10-kicks-in-2-hours rule as your essential safety net. But also, use an app like the Fetal Movement Counter to log how long it takes to get to 10 kicks each day. This allows you to establish a baseline and spot when a session is taking significantly longer than usual—even if it's still under 2 hours. This gives you a much more complete picture of your baby's well-being.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for any health concerns.

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