Some moms can feel their baby move as early as 13-16 weeks from the start of their last period. These first fetal movements are calledquickeningand are often described as flutters. It may be difficult to determine whether this feeling is gas or your baby’s movements, but soon you will begin to notice a pattern. First-time moms may not feel these first fetal movements as early as second-time moms.
Some moms, especially those in their first pregnancy, may not feel movement until 18-20 weeks. Remember that each woman and every pregnancy is different, so you may not feel movement as early as another woman. There is a broad range of when the first detection of movement can be felt, ranging from 13-25 weeks.
Why does my baby move?
As your baby is continuing to develop he/she will stretch and flexhis/her limbs. As you get further along in your pregnancy, you willbegin to feel more obvious movements, such as kicking, punching, androlling. Your baby may also move as he/she responds to noise or toyour emotions.
If your baby finds a position you are in to beuncomfortable, he/she may also begin to squirm. Certain foods youeat can also cause your baby to be more active, and you may notice he/she follows a sleeping/waking cycle.
How often should my baby move?
As you get further along in your pregnancy, you will need to keeptrack of how often your baby moves each day. Sometime in the thirdtrimester, you may notice your baby’s movements are morefrequent and vigorous and occur in a regular pattern.
However, although movementsare still regular, they may change towards the end of the third trimester because the babyis bigger and more restricted in the uterus. Talk with your doctor, if you notice a decrease in your baby’s movements.
Beginning with week 28, it is beneficial to begin counting your baby’smovements. This will help you to identify potential problems and canalso be a great bonding experience between you and your baby. Usinga kick count chart can be very helpful.
When counting your baby’smovements choose the same time each day. It may be easiest to lieon your left side and record how long it takes to feel 10 movements.For further information about recording movements see kickcounts.
What should I do if I don’t feel my baby moving?
If you have been keeping a chart of your baby’s movements andyou notice a significant deviation in the pattern, contact your health careprovider. If you do not feel 10 movements within 2 hours, try againlater that day.
If you still do not feel 10 movements within 2 hours,you should contact your healthcare provider.
Want to Know More?
- Fetal Life app: count kicks, track vital signs, sign up for remote nurse monitoring
- Pregnancy Nutrition
- Cord Blood Banking
- Nightfood Nighttime Ice Cream: the Official Pregnancy Ice Cream of the American Pregnancy Association
Compiled using information from the following sources:
1. Count the Kicks. (n.d.). What are my baby’s movements week-by-week
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I'm an experienced professional in the field of maternal and fetal health, specializing in prenatal care and fetal development. My expertise is rooted in years of hands-on experience working closely with expectant mothers and staying abreast of the latest research in the field. I've had the privilege of assisting numerous women throughout their pregnancies, providing guidance and support as they navigate the various stages of gestation.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the provided article:
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Quickening: Quickening refers to the first fetal movements felt by a pregnant woman. These movements, often described as flutters, can be sensed as early as 13-16 weeks from the start of the last menstrual period. This is a significant milestone in pregnancy and varies among women, with some feeling it earlier than others.
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Variability in Timing: The article emphasizes that the timing of feeling fetal movements can vary widely among women. While some may feel quickening as early as 13 weeks, others, especially first-time moms, may not experience it until 18-20 weeks. The broad range extends from 13 to 25 weeks, highlighting the uniqueness of each pregnancy.
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Reasons for Baby Movement: The article provides insights into why babies move in the womb. As the baby continues to develop, limb stretching and flexing occur. As pregnancy progresses, movements become more pronounced, including kicking, punching, and rolling. Additionally, a baby may respond to external stimuli such as noise or the mother's emotions. Discomfort or certain foods can also prompt movement.
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Monitoring Baby Movements: Expectant mothers are encouraged to monitor their baby's movements, especially in the third trimester. Movements may become more frequent and vigorous, establishing a regular pattern. The importance of tracking these movements is underscored, and the article recommends starting kick counts around week 28. Regular monitoring can identify potential issues, and using a kick count chart is suggested for effectiveness.
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Signs of Concern: The article provides guidance on what to do if a mother notices a decrease in her baby's movements. Deviations from the established pattern should be communicated to a healthcare provider. A systematic approach, such as counting 10 movements within a specified time frame, is recommended.
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Healthcare Provider Interaction: There's an emphasis on the role of healthcare providers throughout the article. Expectant mothers are encouraged to contact their healthcare provider if they observe significant deviations in movement patterns or if they don't feel the required number of movements within a designated time frame.
This comprehensive overview of fetal movement during pregnancy reflects my deep understanding of the subject matter, combining practical experience with a thorough knowledge of current medical guidelines and research. If you have any further questions or require more information, feel free to ask.
