Pregnancy Kick Counter

Description

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SPECIAL NOTE: This application is provided free of charge by A Small Victory (asmallvictory.org). They are a non-profit organization that gives out loss kits to families who have lost a child due to miscarriage or stillbirth.

Please donate to them at http://www.asmallvictory.org/.
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This application is designed for woman who are 25 weeks or later in pregnancy.

-- The Importance of Kick Counts --

Kicking is how your baby tells you it's "OK". Uncomfortable at times for you but reassuring, it means your baby is active and growing.

In a survey conducted among stillbirth mothers we discovered 67% weren't ever told by their OB about the importance of monitoring kick counts. If you've not been told, or if it's not been properly explained, raise the question at your next checkup. It's your body and your baby so don't ever hesitate to voice your concerns. Counting kicks is a simple test to determine your baby's health that costs you nothing.

You can track your baby's activity by using this application. If you detect a change, either a decrease in movement, or an unusual increase in your baby's level of activity, it may mean your baby is in distress. Should either occur, call your doctor at once. If you can't reach your doctor, head to the hospital to have your baby checked. A "false alarm", if it is one, is better than having a stillborn baby.

Before starting your activity log be aware there's no single "standard" for the number of kicks to expect, but on average you should detect at least 5 definite movements per hour. Babies sleep, and there may be times in the day when you feel little or no movement. That's why it's important to be aware of any changes in your baby's daily pattern. In time you'll get used to your baby's particular patterns.

-- How To Do Kick Counts --

Most Drs recommend that kick counts be started after 25 weeks, usually around 28 weeks.

Every day at the same time, preferably just after you've eaten, take time to be aware of your baby's movements. Pull up this application and track your baby's movements. If you haven't felt at least 4 or 5 movements by the end of an hour, you'll want to redo the count, this time lying down on your side and focusing on just counting movements. We call them "kicks" but punches, rolls and swooshes count, if it is a definite movement. You will hear that babies slow down as they get closer to full term. Whether that's true is debatable, but if your baby slows down, the change should not be sudden.

If, after redoing the kick count, you don't detect 10 movements within 2 hours its time to call your doctor. From a practical standpoint it's always easier to be seen and have your baby checked during office hours, but don't let the time of day stop you. If you detect a decline in movement, call, no matter what the time. We've all been taught to be considerate of others but this is a different situation. Doctors, like firemen, have chosen a 24-hour occupation. You've chosen to become a mother. As a mother your job is to protect your baby. Pick up the phone and call at once.

-- How To Use This Application --

Every time you feel your baby move, touch the screen and it will be tracked. At the end of an hour it will tell you how many times your baby moved. Hiccups do not count as movement. Present the results to a doctor as needed.

-- Disclaimers --

"KICK COUNTER" IS NOT A MEDICAL DEVICE AND SHOULD NOT BE USED OR RELIED UPON IN ANY WAY FOR DIAGNOSTIC OR OTHER MEDICAL PURPOSES. ANY CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR PREGNANCY SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO A MEDICAL PRACTITIONER.