Posted on October 7, 2025
Those first little flutters are pure magic. But as you get further along in your pregnancy, your baby's movements become more than just a sweet hello—they're a vital sign of your baby's well-being. That brings up one of the most common questions we hear: "So, when do I actually need to start *counting* these kicks?"
The general consensus from top medical groups, like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), is to start your daily kick counting routine at **28 weeks**, the beginning of your third trimester.
If you have a high-risk pregnancy—for example, if you're carrying twins, have high blood pressure, or other health considerations—your doctor might ask you to start a bit earlier, around **26 weeks**.
It might seem strange to wait when you've been feeling movement for a while, but there's a good reason. Before 28 weeks, your baby's movements can be pretty random and unpredictable. Trying to track them formally can lead to a lot of unnecessary stress ("I haven't felt anything in an hour! Is something wrong?"). By the third trimester, however, your baby has usually settled into a more reliable pattern of sleeping and waking. This predictability is what makes kick counting such a powerful tool—it gives you a baseline to compare against, making it much easier to notice a real change.
That's fantastic! Feeling those early movements, which can start anywhere from 16 to 25 weeks, is an incredible experience. Soak it all in and enjoy every little poke and wiggle. There's no need to start a strict, daily counting regimen this early on. For now, your only job is to pay attention and start getting a feel for your baby's presence. As you get closer to that 28-week milestone, you can then shift into a more structured daily counting session.
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, plan to start your daily kick counting habit at 28 weeks. Using a simple tool like our Fetal Movement Counter app right from the start is the easiest way to build a clear and valuable history of your baby's activity, giving you peace of mind through the final stretch.
Just a friendly reminder: This article is for informational purposes only and isn't a substitute for professional medical advice. Always chat with your healthcare provider about any concerns you have during your pregnancy.
Back to Blog