At 16 to 20 weeks into your pregnancy, your baby will start to move. It’s very exciting.  When the baby starts moving more regularly, at around 24 to 28 weeks, it starts to feel very real—especially when you feel him kicking!

Those kicks are important indicators that things are going well. Doctors recommend that you start counting your baby’s kicks and movements to monitor how he is doing.

How to do a kick count:

1. Wait until your baby is 28 weeks. By this time, his movements are more consistent and predictable. (If you’re carrying multiples, you can start as early as 26 weeks.)

2. Count at the same time of the day. Pick a time when your baby is most active, usually after you've had a snack or light meal. Most babies also tend to be more active at night, less in the afternoon.

3. Assume position. Once you're sure your baby is awake, sit with your feet up or lie on your side. Sit or lay down on your left side, if possible. Make sure you’re comfortable. Relax… then start counting movements. Twists, turns, swishes, rolls, and jabs all count as kicks, no matter how subtle. Hiccups do not.

4. Record how long it takes for your baby to make ten movements. On the average, it’s 30 minutes, but don’t worry if it takes two hours.

5. You’d like to be able to feel at least three active periods of movement in a 24-hour period.

When Should I Be Worried?

You can expect your baby’s movements to increase in frequency and intensity as your pregnancy progresses. If the movements start to weaken or decline, you need to let your doctor know.

If you notice a decrease in movement, don’t panic. If you haven’t felt your baby move 10 times within two hours at the usual time, try again after an hour. If you’re still not feeling anything, call your doctor, who will likely prescribe a non-stress test to check the baby's heart rate and rule out a life-threatening emergency.

SOURCES:

https://www.fitpregnancy.com/pregnancy/pregnancy-health/importance-counting-kicks-during-pregnancy

http://americanpregnancy.org/labor-and-birth/braxton-hicks/