Fetal movements are one of the most reassuring signs of a baby’s well-being during pregnancy. However, they can also raise concerns for expectant parents who may be unsure what is normal. In this Q&A, Dr. Peter Wang, addresses common questions about fetal movements to help parents better understand their baby’s activity in the womb.
Q: How does fetal movement relate to the health of the baby?
Dr. Peter Wang: Changes in fetal movement patterns can indicate potential issues, such as fetal distress, growth problems, or reduced oxygen supply. When there is reduced oxygen supply, the fetus is thought to compensate by decreasing its movements thereby conserving its utilisation of precious oxygen.
Keeping track of kicks can provide early warning signs of any complications and prompt medical attention if needed.
However, it’s important to remember that while monitoring at home can provide some insights and suggest possible distress, it is at best a convenient screening tool and is not a replacement for regular professional prenatal care.
Q: What are some common misconceptions/ myths about fetal movements?
Dr. Peter Wang: While there are many, let me try to highlight some of the more dangerous or worry inducing misconceptions!
MISCONCEPTIONS
- A Lot of Movement Means a distressed Baby: Active babies are generally healthy and developing well. The level of activity can vary from baby to baby. Increased movement doesn’t necessarily mean your baby is hyperactive or distressed.
- Less Movement Means Labor is Approaching: A reduction in fetal movements might raise concerns about the baby’s health, but it doesn’t necessarily mean labor is imminent. Reduced movements from baseline should always be discuss with your Doctor.
- The Baby Should Move at the Same Time Every Day: While some babies do have regular patterns of activity, there’s no fixed rule that they must move at the same time every day. What’s important is to understand your baby’s individual movement patterns.
- Hiccups Count as Movements: Fetal hiccups are common and can feel like rhythmic movements.
Q: Will bb kicks damage my placenta or other organs? it feels very strong
Dr. Peter Wang: No, baby kicks will not damage your placenta or other organs. Baby kicks are a normal and expected part of pregnancy. The baby is safely protected within the amniotic sac, and their movements are limited by the surrounding amniotic fluid and the space available in the uterus. As your pregnancy progresses and the baby grows, you might feel stronger kicks and movements. While these movements might occasionally feel uncomfortable, they are generally not harmful to you or your baby.
Q: How does the importance of counting kicks change in high-risk pregnancies?
Dr. Peter Wang: In high-risk pregnancies, counting kicks becomes even more important as it can serve as a valuable tool for monitoring the well-being of the baby. High-risk pregnancies involve factors that increase the likelihood of complications for the mother or the baby. Counting kicks would allow for potentially earlier detection of complications should they arise. It allows for closer continuous, at-home monitoring.
Q: Are there specific tools available that assist in tracking and recording kicks?
Dr. Peter Wang: There are several mobile apps that can assist in helping to keep track of fetal movements.
countthekicks.org/ as an example.
Alternatively, a simple timer or clock and a piece of paper works just as well!
Q: my baby kicks when I play music. is that good or bad? should I play more music?
Dr. Peter Wang: Babies can hear sounds from around the 20th week of pregnancy. They might respond to music, voices, and other external sounds by moving or even changing their heart rate. Feeling your baby kick in response to music is considered a positive sign. It’s a lovely way to interact with your baby even before they’re born. Many expectant parents enjoy playing music or talking to their babies in the womb as a way to bond and stimulate their senses.
Just bear in mind that it’s a good idea to keep the volume at a comfortable level. Loud noises or prolonged exposure to very loud music might be overwhelming for the baby.
Q: Could you share any resources or links to learn proper kick counting techniques?
Dr. Peter Wang: The website is blocking me from responding to your other question regarding the danger of increased fetal movements for some reason.
Here is my response to that question.
Yes, an increase in fetal movement can sometimes indicate a concern, especially if it is a sudden or significant change from the baby’s usual pattern. As a general principle, it’s important to recognise what’s normal for your baby’s movement patterns and pay attention to any sudden or drastic changes. This highlights the importance of counting kicks on a regular basis as this would help you understand your fetus “normal movements” better.
If you experience a sudden increase in movements, it’s a good idea to contact your healthcare provider to discuss your observations.
Q: How does it affects baby health? What if one day you find your baby not kicking as much
Dr. Peter Wang: Changes in fetal movement patterns can indicate potential issues, such as fetal distress, growth problems, or reduced oxygen supply. When there is reduced oxygen supply, the fetus is thought to compensate by decreasing its movements thereby conserving its utilisation of precious oxygen. Keeping track of kicks can provide early warning signs of any complications and prompt medical attention if needed.
If you notice any significant changes in movement or have concerns, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider for guidance and monitoring.
Q: What is the recommended frequency and timing for counting kicks during 2nd and 3rd trimester?
Dr. Peter Wang: The minimum number of maternally perceived fetal movements (kicks) consistent with fetal well-being has been termed the “alarm limit.” While there are various different proposed methods, the most commonly referred to method with an alarm limit would be the “count to 10” method.
This involves the mothers perception of least 10 kicks over up to two hours when the mother is at rest and focused on counting.
This method has a high compliance and acceptance rate among mothers because it is easy to perform, convenient, and does not take much time.
There are also free apps available to help you to keep track of the number of kicks.
Q: Is there connection between fetal movement and the baby’s sleep-wake cycles during pregnancy?
Dr. Peter Wang: Excellent question! Fetal sleep is a common and benign cause of decreased fetal movement. It’s normal for fetuses to have periods of rest, sleep and activity. Sleep cycles may last up to 40 minutes so if you feel decreased movements in the first hour, do extend the period of rest and focused counting by another hour.
Q: How does counting kicks help in monitoring the well-being and development of the baby in the womb?
Dr. Peter Wang: Changes in fetal movement patterns can indicate potential issues, such as fetal distress, growth problems, or reduced oxygen supply. When there is reduced oxygen supply, the fetus is thought to compensate by decreasing its movements thereby conserving its utilisation of precious oxygen.
Keeping track of kicks can provide early warning signs of any complications and prompt medical attention if needed.
However, it’s important to remember that while monitoring at home can provide some insights and suggest possible distress, it is at best a convenient screening tool and is not a replacement for regular professional prenatal care.
Q: does baby only kick? does baby punch or flip or do any other movements? how can I differentiate it?
Dr. Peter Wang: Absolutely! While the term “kicking” is commonly used to describe fetal movements, babies in the womb can actually perform a variety of movements, much like they would after birth. They may kick, punch, roll, stretch, flip and even hiccup. It is important to note that fetal hiccups are rhythmic, repetitive movements that can feel like gentle taps or twitches and should not be counted as fetal movements when specifically monitoring and counting fetal movements.
Q: Is it normal not to feel much of baby movement if mummy is too active in the day (e.g doing house chores, walking around, etc)?
Dr. Peter Wang: Fetal movements are unique to the individual fetus. That is why making it a habit to count kicks is especially important as it allows you to notice patterns and what’s normal for your fetus. You may notice the fetus is more active at certain times during the day. It’s common for mothers to notice more movement particularly after a meal. This is because of the increase in glucose in your blood. Others notice more movement in the evenings when they are going to bed. It is also very possible that you don’t feel the fetus moving during the day because you’re busy, at work, with chores, or caring for your other children.
Most people will begin feeling the fetus kick around 20 weeks into pregnancy as a general guide. By the third trimester (28 weeks of pregnancy), you should have a general sense of the movement patterns of the fetus.
Q: How do factors like water intake, food intake influence fetal movement patterns?
Dr. Peter Wang: Food intake: High blood sugar levels might lead to increased fetal movements, while low blood sugar levels could lead to decreased movements.
Water intake: Dehydration can lead to reduced amniotic fluid levels, which might create less space for the baby to move. Drinking enough water can help maintain a healthy amniotic fluid level, allowing the baby to move more freely.
About the Expert
Dr. Peter Wang, MBBS, is an Anchor Doctor at Speedoc with extensive experience in maternal and fetal health. His expertise includes prenatal care, pregnancy monitoring, and patient education, making him a trusted resource for expectant parents seeking guidance on fetal well-being.
Closing Thoughts
Fetal movements are an important way for parents to connect with their unborn baby and monitor their well-being. Understanding what’s normal for your baby can provide peace of mind. If you ever notice unusual changes in movement patterns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance. For more resources on tracking fetal movements, consider using trusted platforms like Count the Kicks.
