What is the average fetal movement? What are the first signs of fetal movement? How can I encourage my baby to move?
The excitement of feeling your baby move is a heartwarming milestone all mothers look forward to. However, your baby’s activity can also be a crucial indicator of how well he or she is doing. Although every pregnancy is different, there are common ways to evaluate fetal movement about what is normal and what you should be concerned about.
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What Is Fetal Movement
Fetal movement is the term used to describe the baby’s movements inside the uterus. It usually starts at around 16 weeks of pregnancy, although it can sometimes be earlier or later.
The baby moves around in response to pressure, stretching and other stimuli. These movements can be felt as a fluttering sensation on your stomach or as a ‘kicking’ feeling in your belly.
These movements are very important for your baby’s development and growth. They help them develop their muscles and prepare them for birth by getting them used to breathing air instead of fluid, an important skill that will come in handy when it’s time for them to breathe outside of your uterus (uterus).
How Does It Feel?
Fetal movements, or ‘kicks’, are often painless and are also known as ‘quickening’ within the early weeks. The feeling is often described as “fluttering”, similar to the nervous warmth we know as “butterflies”.
At times, it is a seemingly subtle fetal movement that you may not even feel or can be mistaken as a tickle, gas bubbles or a hunger pang. Don’t be alarmed if their kicks get a little aggressive because as your baby grows stronger throughout pregnancy, you may experience hard kicks that can cause discomfort or mild pain.
When Can I Feel the Baby Kick?
Foetal movement can be felt as early as 14 weeks into your pregnancy. First-time mothers may only start feeling these movements between 18 and 24 weeks when they become more prominent.
Various factors influence when you feel your baby’s first kicks. Here are some common ones:
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Experience
Second-time mothers may feel their kicks much earlier than their first pregnancy as they already know how it feels. New mothers may perceive early fetal movement as other body issues such as gas and only realise these kicks once they become more distinctive.
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Placenta position
Your placenta‘s position is usually determined during your 20-week scan. Women with an anterior placenta may find it trickier to feel fetal movement.
An anterior placenta is when your placenta is between your baby and your stomach – it is attached to the front wall of your uterus, which provides extra cushioning for your baby. You may not feel his or her early wriggles. So, focus on your sides and lower down, as this is where you will likely feel movement.
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Size
Weight can play a part in feeling your baby’s kicks. Mothers with a higher body mass index may take longer to feel as their abdominal wall is thicker.
What Are Normal Fetal Movements During Each Trimester
As your pregnancy progresses, your baby’s activity will become stronger. In the first trimester, your baby is too small, and you would barely notice any fetal movement. Your second trimester is normally when your start feeling all the wonderful flutters. Afternoons and evenings are peak periods when your baby is most active.
Here are a few common feelings you may experience throughout your pregnancy:
First trimester (Weeks 1 – 12)
You may experience little to less fetal movement. A scan during your later weeks may show that your baby has been active, but you could not feel their precious kicks because of their teeny size. Fret not. You will start feeling these kicks in your later trimesters.
Second trimester ( Weeks 13 – 26)
As your morning sickness lessens, your bump will grow, and you will start to feel their kicks. Nevertheless, your baby is still small in size, and although his or her activity may not be as strong as in your later weeks, you may feel a fluttering sensation that can start as early as 14 weeks.
During the later weeks, you may start experiencing discomfort as your baby’s muscles grow stronger, and their movements are much more energetic.
Third trimester (weeks 27 – 40)
As your baby develops and grows, his or her space gets a little less roomy, which means you will undoubtedly feel their movements.
Your baby has more energy, and you may experience slightly harder kicks that can cause pain or discomfort. Some babies may even do a full somersault, twitch or hiccup! Don’t be anxious. Such activity can indicate that your baby is developing well.
Pregnant woman holding her belly
How Often Should Your Baby Kick
Generally, normal and healthy baby activity is defined as 10 or more movements in the span of two hours. But bear in mind that babies have sleep cycles where they can be absent in their movements – these sleep cycles can range between 20 and 40 minutes, but sometimes can prolong up to 90 minutes.
Your baby’s movement will usually increase up until 32 weeks of pregnancy, and then their activity pattern should be consistent, while the type of movement may change as you near your due date. Eventually, you will understand your baby’s unique movement pattern quite well.
Monitor Your Baby’s Movements: Count Your Kicks
Counting your kicks and understanding your baby’s movement pattern is crucial for mothers to know if there is a sudden decrease in kicks, inactivity or a change in pattern.
This is especially important during your third trimester when you should keep track of your baby’s daily movement. Mothers who track their movements during pregnancy can detect any possible utero distresses and prevent the risks such as stillbirth. An easy way to do this is by feeling how long it takes to feel ten movements, whether a kick, flutter or roll.
A total of 10 movements in the span of two hours is normal, however, do not panic immediately if you do not feel ten movements – your baby could be in his or her sleep cycle. You can try eating a snack, drinking juice, or walking around for a few minutes before lying down on your side to feel any movement.
You can also track your baby’s kicks with a kick counter or a chart. Some clinics or hospitals may provide you with one as well. Tracking these kicks will let you understand the time pattern of when your baby is most active, their sleep cycles and how long it takes to finish ten movements. In counting, Any twist, kick or turn is one movement.
If your baby has not moved 10 times within two hours, do not be afraid to contact your doctor.
What Are Fetal Hiccups
Fetal hiccups are a medical condition where a baby in the womb experiences involuntary contractions of the diaphragm. These contractions cause the baby to breathe rapidly and irregularly, resulting in the baby’s abdomen moving up and down.
Fetal hiccups are most common around 28 weeks gestation but can also occur later in pregnancy. They usually last anywhere from 10 seconds to 30 minutes.
Rapid Fetal Movement During Third Trimester
Rapid fetal movement during the third trimester may indicate that your baby is preparing for birth. It’s a good sign that your body is doing its job and getting your baby ready to meet the world.
Talk to your doctor if you think there’s a reason to worry and learn about why this is happening. They’ll be able to tell you whether or not it’s normal, and they may also have some tips on what to do if it’s not (such as taking a bath or drinking lots of water).
To support your growing belly and ease discomfort during rapid fetal movement in the third trimester, consider using the OppO Maternity Belt. Its soft foam cushioning provides maximum comfort, while the soft and thick material ensures a snug fit. Talk to your doctor for more information on how this belt can help you during this stage of pregnancy.
When to Worry About Fetal Movement
Decreased activity or a big change in your baby’s regular movement pattern may be a sign that your baby is unwell. Various factors can contribute to experiencing decreased fetal movement – sleep cycles or generic issues such as obesity that can affect your ability to feel the kicks.
Still, there could be serious underlying issues when there is sudden inactivity or a change in your baby’s activity pattern. Issues such as lack of amniotic fluid could be among the factors that make it more difficult for your baby to move about. Certain drugs or medications, such as pain relief or sedatives, can affect your baby’s circulation and movements. Additionally, alcohol or smoking can also have adverse effects on your baby’s pattern of movement.
According to the Australian Family Physician, it can also be attributed to times when women may be too busy to feel the movements. Meanwhile, is it found that women feel fewer movements when standing or sitting. It is advised that mothers should lie on their left side and concentrate on feeling ten or more kicks within two hours.
If you feel less or little kicks within this period, it is best to contact your doctor, as this can be a sign that your baby could be unwell. Your doctor may check your baby’s heart rate with a non-stress test which measures the baby’s heart rate against their movements.
In the rhythmic dance between a mother and her growing baby, understanding foetal movement is a beautiful chapter of the pregnancy journey. As we conclude this exploration, remember that every baby has its unique groove, and what’s essential is recognising patterns and seeking advice if ever in doubt.
Revel in those gentle flutters and lively kicks, for they are the sweet, silent whispers of the precious life growing within. Embrace the journey, cherish the movements, and eagerly anticipate the joyous moment when those tiny flutters transform into the heartbeat of your new world. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalised advice regarding foetal movement during pregnancy.
Image Source: iStock
Updates from Pheona Ilagan
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