Full Review: During the third trimester, most obstetricians recommend that expecting mothers track their baby's movements ('Kick counting'). Fetal movement at this time is a great indicator of a baby's well-being. Doctors will request that you track to see how long it takes the baby to move 10 times. It is said that healthy babies generally move 10 times in less than 2 hours (most babies will complete 10 movements in under 30 minutes). Normally, you would sit down with a pen and paper and watch the clock and wait for those 10 kicks or movements. Want an easier way to count kicks? Meet the KickTrak.
The kickTrak is a handy little electronic device that will help you keep track of your kick counting. The kickTrak will record and store daily kick counting sessions as well as track pregnancy progess and times contractions.
With just one click, the kickTrak kick counter will:
At the onset of pregnancy, track your progress to stay in-sync with your doctor about your due date
Beginning at 24 weeks, reliably track your baby's movement pattern
Time your contractions when labor begins
Be sure to read the instructions before you put in the batteries or you may get a little confused. To start, you input your week and day of your pregnancy, chose Spanish or English, and your ready to start kick counting. Then, you simply press the large purple button with the baby's foot on it every time you feel the baby kick or move. After 10 movements, the kickTrak plays a melody (Twinkle Twinkle Little Star) to alert you and stores the length of time it took to reach those 10 movements. This handy device stores up to 10 sessions so that you can compare them to see if there are any significant changes in your baby's movements. You can also delete a kick counting session if you didn't finish it or became distracted so that it isn't stored in the device.
A feature we like that it counts down from 99 days until your due date so when you are suffering from pregnancy brain and someone asks how far along you are, you'll know quickly where to find the answer.
The actual device is small (5 inches long by 1 ½ inches wide) and is contoured to fit comfortably in your hand like a little remote. It also comes with a strap that you can hang the kickTrak on your neck, but we found it is a little annoying this way because the device will bounce against your pregnant belly as you walk.
The kickTrak retails for $49.95 (you can find it on sale sometimes for $39) which is expensive to us for replacing a piece of paper and pen and watching the clock. We wish the price point was less so that more mothers could take advantage of this handy little gadget. Although, it is a fun, handy device, it's definitely not a must-have for expectant moms but more of a pregnancy luxury item. But if you can afford it, the kickTrak is a great and convenient way to help you kick count.
One way to justify spending the money on a kickTrak, besides making your life a bit easier, is that a portion of your purchase is donated to First Candle/SIDS Alliance and the Babykick Foundation. Both are nonprofit organizations dedicated to reducing stillbirth and continue the fight against infant mortality. So, you should feel good buying from a company that gives back.
Designed by board certified OB/GYN and mother of three, Dr. Diep Nguyen designed the kickTrak to make kick counting more convenient and reliable.
