Kick counts and an anterior placenta?

[Starbuck128]

I have a MW appointment this week and I imagine she'll tell me to start doing kick counts soon. For moms with experience with an anterior placenta, did the placenta change anything with kick counts?

[mayflowers]

How far are you? Usually it's after 28 weeks you do kick counts from what I've seen but I know a friend of mine that used my doctor was never told to do them. My sister did, but she was high risk. I wouldn't think the anterior placenta would change anything but I'm not sure on that!

[entropicepona]

I had a posterior last time, and didn't start kick counts until 28w. I have anterior this time and feel faaar less, so even at 28w I imagine kick counts will be difficult. My OB has told me to just watch for overall changes in activity level instead of driving myself crazy with kick counts.

[Starbuck128]

28 weeks on Thursday. I looked it up and they are looking for 10 kicks, actual kicks, every 2 hours. I don't have anything close to that.

[mayflowers]

Oh what I've seen is to do it at a less active time and a more active time, so twice a day. I'd imagine it may vary by doctor?

[smile55k]

I had an AP last pregnancy (and this one too), and my OB never actually told me to do kick counts. I'm not sure if it was because of the placenta messing with the counts, or if she just doesn't tell her patients to do them. Either way, I'm sure regular movement that stays consistent is the most important part, whether it's full on kicks or just the twitches and rolls that you feel more with the AP.

[saltyh2O]

Interesting question Starbuck128 - have been kinda curious about this myself. So far just feeing more like exaggerated pokes than swift kicks, but wondered if that was an anterior placenta thing or just a "different baby, different personality" thing...maybe a little of both? No kick count instructions received yet either,but honestly don't recall my doc ever suggesting I do them with DS either.

[entropicepona]

Jan 25, 2015 11:16:25 GMT -5 Starbuck128 said:

28 weeks on Thursday. I looked it up and they are looking for 10 kicks, actual kicks, every 2 hours. I don't have anything close to that.

I'm 25w2d and there's no way I have anywhere near that. I don't imagine it'll change by 28w. Discuss with your midwife, but chances are they'll tell you not to sweat it.

[Starbuck128]

saltyh2O I remember when it was brought up at an appointment with DS it was easy peasy to notice 10 kicks in 2 hours. Just having a little freak out moment here.

[mayflowers]

Jan 25, 2015 11:20:44 GMT -5 entropicepona said:

Jan 25, 2015 11:16:25 GMT -5 Starbuck128 said:

28 weeks on Thursday. I looked it up and they are looking for 10 kicks, actual kicks, every 2 hours. I don't have anything close to that.

I'm 25w2d and there's no way I have anywhere near that. I don't imagine it'll change by 28w. Discuss with your midwife, but chances are they'll tell you not to sweat it.

I do think it'll change in the next 3 weeks but I'm behind you so obviously don't know. I just know thy start at 28 because before that you don't feel as much due to baby's size.

[honeylemon]

I have never been told to do actual kick counts.

[Ee]

I have an anterior placenta- over the course of just the past week (I'm 26 weeks today) I've noticed a HUGE increase in the movement I'm feeling. It's like she finally grew just enough and I went from feeling, like, 10 kicks all day to feeling constant movement all damn day. So I'd expect you'll be able to feel a lot more movement soon too now that baby is really starting to gain some weight!

[scattered]

With DD1 I had an anterior placenta, and for my kick counts, my OB had me eat something sweet (I did one of those Kashi bars with black cherries and chocolate chips) and drank something ice cold and lay on my side. Being on my side always made it easier to feel her. I'd lay with one hand under my belly and one on top.

[sarahchrismck]

My doc said I could start around 28 weeks, but said it's probably not necessary as long as I'm feeling regular movement. He said I should try doing kick counts if there's ever a day where I don't notice as much movement.

[saltyh2O]

Jan 25, 2015 11:24:13 GMT -5 Starbuck128 said:

saltyh2O I remember when it was brought up at an appointment with DS it was easy peasy to notice 10 kicks in 2 hours. Just having a little freak out moment here.

I totally get you Starbuck128. No freak outs over here just yet as I definitely feel her in there, just a lot more "gently" and less frequently than I remember with DS....he was a whirling dervish in there! Rest assured though that I feel like 10 kicks in 2 hrs seems like a lot to expect over here right now.

ETA: like others, remember how much we're likely moving around and therefore not paying attention to feeling for them too. I find that it's when I sit still and wait for her lately that she shows up with a big wiggle or a nudge....if you're truly concerned though, by all means call the doc and get some advice or an appt to quell those fears. No shame in that game. I don't know you to be a "frequent flyer" at your OBs office based on your other posts, and that reassurance from a professional can go a long way. Hugs mama!

[soyboy]

Per my MW, kick counts don't usually start until 28w, but even that's early. I had an AP with my DS and by 28-30w I could feel him all.the.time. I also was never bold by my MW or OB to do kick counts, I just did them because the app I had on my phone suggested it

[mpiemont]

If your caregiver asks you to do kick counts, and you think you won't feel the baby as often as they'd like, I'd definitely address this at your appointment. I had an anterior placenta last pregnancy and while movement was "muffled" earlier on, I eventually got to feeling him move in full force and often. (I don't think I've ever been told to do actual kick counts, just make sure I'm feeling the usual amount of movement and if I didn't, drink a cold drink/eat something sugary and lay on my left side)

[Starbuck128]

Thanks for the feedback. I still have to really focus to notice any movement, and this morning I realized I didn't remember feeling anything yesterday. And kick counts are supposed to start in a few days??? *sigh* I'm normally laid back, but it's still scary when I can't notice the most basic sign that baby is okay.