How Many Baby Kicks Per Hour Is Normal? What to Expect
"How many times should my baby kick per hour?" is one of the most common questions expectant parents ask — and for good reason. Understanding what's normal helps you feel confident that your baby is healthy, and knowing when something is off can prompt timely medical attention.
The short answer: most babies move 15 to 20 times per hour during their active periods, and healthcare providers recommend feeling at least 10 movements within 2 hours during a daily kick count session. But the full picture is more nuanced than a single number.
This guide explains what to expect at each stage, what counts (and what doesn't), and how to tell the difference between a quiet baby and one that needs medical attention.
How Many Kicks Per Hour Is Normal?
There is no single "right" number of kicks per hour, because every baby is different. What's normal is defined by your baby's unique pattern.
That said, research gives us useful benchmarks. A study published in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth found that healthy babies in the third trimester produce an average of 15 to 20 movements per hour during active periods, with significant variation between individuals. Some babies are naturally more active and may move 30+ times per hour, while others consistently hover around 10 — both are normal.
The standard clinical threshold used by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) is:
At least 10 movements within 2 hours during a dedicated kick counting session.
Most babies reach this count well within 15 to 30 minutes. If your baby regularly takes the full 2 hours, mention it to your provider — not because it's necessarily a problem, but so they can evaluate your baby's specific situation.
What Counts as a Kick?
During a kick count session, you're not just counting kicks. Any distinct fetal movement counts toward your total:
| Counts Toward Kick Count ✅ | Does Not Count ❌ |
|---|---|
| Kicks | Hiccups |
| Rolls | Braxton Hicks contractions |
| Jabs or punches | Your own muscle twitches |
| Stretches | General abdominal pressure |
| Flutters | |
| Pushes or nudges |
The key word is distinct. Each separate movement is one count. If your baby does a long stretch followed by a kick, that's two movements.
Do Hiccups Count as Kick Counts?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions about fetal movement tracking, and the answer is no — hiccups generally do not count toward your kick count.
Here's why: hiccups are involuntary, rhythmic contractions of your baby's diaphragm. They feel like a repetitive, evenly-spaced pulse in one area of your belly — very different from a deliberate kick or roll. Because they don't reflect your baby's voluntary muscle activity, most healthcare providers exclude them from kick counts.
How to tell the difference:
- Hiccups: Rhythmic, regular intervals (every 2–3 seconds), same location, can last several minutes
- Kicks: Irregular timing, varying locations, different intensities
Fetal hiccups are completely normal and are a sign that your baby's respiratory system is developing. They're most common in the second and third trimesters and can happen several times a day.
Note: If hiccups become very frequent (multiple times daily for extended periods) in the late third trimester, mention it to your provider. Occasional hiccups are normal, and most frequent hiccups are too, but it's worth noting.
How Kick Frequency Changes Throughout Pregnancy
Your baby's movement patterns evolve as they grow.
Weeks 18–24: First Movements
You'll feel your first movements (called "quickening") during this window. Early kicks feel like flutters, bubbles, or gentle taps. At this stage, movement is irregular — you may feel activity one day and nothing the next. This is normal and isn't cause for concern.
Weeks 25–28: Building a Pattern
Movements become stronger and more frequent. By 28 weeks, most healthcare providers recommend starting daily kick counts because your baby now has a regular sleep-wake cycle.
Weeks 28–32: Peak Activity
This is typically the most active period. Your baby has enough room to make big movements but is strong enough that you feel everything. Expect 15 to 20+ movements per hour during active periods.
Weeks 33–36: Strong and Steady
Your baby is getting bigger and has less room. Movement types shift from sweeping kicks to rolls, stretches, and pushes. The total number of movements you feel per hour may decrease slightly, but you should still reach 10 in under 2 hours consistently during a kick count.
Weeks 37–40: Consistent Until Birth
Contrary to popular belief, babies do not significantly slow down before labor. The type of movement changes (more pressure and shifting, fewer dramatic kicks), but overall frequency remains steady right up until delivery. A significant decrease at any point should be reported to your provider.
| Week Range | Typical Movements Per Hour (Active Period) | Movement Type |
|---|---|---|
| 18–24 | Irregular, difficult to count | Flutters, bubbles |
| 25–28 | 10–15 | Kicks, jabs, rolls |
| 28–32 | 15–20+ | Strong kicks, rolls, stretches |
| 33–36 | 12–18 | Rolls, pushes, stretches |
| 37–40 | 10–16 | Pressure, rolls, shifting |
These are general ranges. Your baby may consistently fall above or below these numbers and still be perfectly healthy.
When to Worry About Kick Counts
Your baby's pattern matters more than any specific number. Here's when to take action:
Contact your provider if:
- Your baby doesn't reach 10 movements in 2 hours during a focused kick count session (after trying a cold drink and snack)
- There's a sudden, significant drop from your baby's normal daily count
- You notice no movement for several hours during a time your baby is typically active
- Decreased movement is combined with bleeding, pain, or fluid leakage
For a detailed guide on what to do when movement decreases, see our article on decreased fetal movement.
You do NOT need to worry if:
- Your baby is slightly less active on one day but reaches 10 movements within a normal timeframe
- Movements feel different (more rolls, fewer kicks) but the frequency is consistent
- Your baby is quiet for 20–40 minutes (they're likely sleeping)
- Movement patterns vary slightly from day to day
How to Track Kicks Per Hour
The simplest approach is the "Count to Ten" method:
- Choose a time when your baby is usually active (often after a meal or in the evening)
- Rest on your left side or in a reclined position
- Count each movement — kicks, rolls, jabs, stretches
- Stop when you reach 10 and note the elapsed time
- Record your session and compare results day over day
Tracking with an app like TinyKicks makes this routine effortless. Tap for each movement, and the app tracks your time and builds a history you can share with your care team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 10 kicks in an hour good?
Yes. Feeling 10 movements within an hour is well within the normal range. The clinical guideline is 10 movements within 2 hours, so reaching that count in one hour or less means your baby is active and healthy. Most babies actually reach 10 movements in 15 to 30 minutes.
Should I count kicks every day?
Yes. Daily kick counting from 28 weeks onward is recommended. The value of kick counting comes from seeing your baby's pattern over time. A single session tells you your baby is active right now; a week of data tells you what's normal for your baby and lets you spot changes quickly.
My baby moves a lot — is that a problem?
A very active baby is almost always a healthy baby. There is no clinical upper limit for fetal movement. Some babies are naturally more active than others. Consistent high activity is a positive sign. Only a sudden, dramatic change from your baby's normal pattern warrants attention. See our guide on increased fetal movement for more details.
Why is my baby more active at night?
Research shows fetal activity peaks between 9 PM and 1 AM. During the day, your movement rocks your baby to sleep. When you lie down at night, the rocking stops and your baby wakes up. You're also more attuned to movement when you're resting, which makes nighttime kicks feel more noticeable.
What if I can never feel 10 kicks in 2 hours?
If you consistently struggle to reach 10 movements in 2 hours, talk to your healthcare provider. They may recommend a non-stress test (NST) to monitor your baby's heart rate and movement electronically. In some cases, an anterior placenta or other factors can make movements harder to feel — your provider can help determine whether there's a concern.
Knowing how many kicks per hour to expect — and what counts toward that total — takes the guesswork out of monitoring your baby's health. The most important thing isn't hitting an exact number. It's knowing your baby's unique pattern and noticing when it changes.
Start building your baby's movement baseline today with TinyKicks — a free kick counter app that makes daily tracking simple.
