Fetal Movement, Kick Counts & Stillbirth Prevention with Count the Kicks

Stillbirth is a topic many expectant parents are afraid to talk about, but understanding your baby’s movement patterns can be an empowering tool during pregnancy.

In this episode of Trying with Dr. Sasha Hakman, Dr. Sasha sits down with Karina Bennett, ambassador for Count the Kicks, a stillbirth prevention program created by Healthy Birth Day, Inc. Karina shares the story of losing her son to stillbirth and how that experience led her to advocacy, education, and a mission to help other families recognize changes in fetal movement before it is too late.

Together, Sasha and Karina break down what kick counting actually looks like, when to start, what counts as movement, and why knowing your baby’s individual pattern matters more than comparing your pregnancy to someone else’s. They also discuss anterior placentas, decreased fetal movement, advocating for yourself when something feels wrong, the limitations of at-home Dopplers, and why seeking evaluation is never an overreaction.

This conversation is not about creating fear. It is about giving pregnant women information they can use to feel more connected to their baby, more confident in what is normal, and more empowered to speak up when something changes.

In this episode, we cover:

→ Karina’s personal experience with stillbirth and how losing her son led her to Count the Kicks and stillbirth prevention advocacy

→ Why talking about stillbirth does not have to be fear-based and how education can help expectant parents feel more empowered during pregnancy

→ What fetal movement can tell you about your baby’s well-being and why changes in your baby’s normal pattern deserve attention

→ When to begin tracking fetal movement in the third trimester and how recommendations may differ for higher-risk pregnancies

→ What actually counts as a “kick,” including jabs, rolls, swishes, and other movements

→ Why the goal is not simply reaching a universal number of kicks, but learning how long it typically takes your individual baby to reach 10 movements

→ How the free Count the Kicks app tracks movement patterns, timing, and movement strength over time