Posted on October 7, 2025
If there is one rule to remember about counting your baby's kicks, it's this: **When in doubt, check it out.** Seriously. Your doctors and midwives would a million times rather you call them over a false alarm than have you sit at home worrying. Trust your instincts. That said, it helps to know what specific red flags you should be looking for.
This is the big one. You are the world's leading expert on your baby's movement patterns. If you notice that their activity has decreased significantly and it's staying that way, that's your cue to pick up the phone. Don't fall into the trap of explaining it away. Thoughts like, "Oh, they're probably just having a sleepy day," can be dangerous. A major change from their established norm is always worth investigating.
The classic "10 kicks in 2 hours" rule is your fundamental safety net. If you've set aside time, are lying down, and are focused on counting, but two hours pass without feeling those 10 movements, call your provider right away. You can try sipping a cold drink or having a small snack to see if it wakes the baby up, but if that doesn't do the trick, don't wait any longer. Make the call.
This one is less common, but it's critical to know about. A sudden, frantic, and totally out-of-character burst of movement that is then followed by stillness can be a serious sign of fetal distress, like an issue with the umbilical cord. This is a true emergency. Call your doctor or head to the hospital immediately.
First, know that you are doing the right thing. Your provider will take your concerns seriously. They'll likely ask you to come in to get checked out. Usually, this involves a non-stress test (NST), where they'll put monitors on your belly to track the baby's heart rate and make sure it's reacting as it should. They might also do a quick ultrasound. Most of the time, these checks reveal that everything is perfectly fine, but it's the safest and most reassuring way to be sure.
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.
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