As a mother- to-be, one of the most beautiful and special experiences you will have during pregnancy is feeling your little one move and kick. These little movements tell you that your baby is healthy and growing well. Also, this experience will make the bond between you and your baby stronger.
When will I start to feel the baby move?
You usually start to feel your baby's first movements, which we medically call "quickening," between 16 and 25 weeks of pregnancy. If this is your first pregnancy, it may not be until 25-30 weeks before you feel your baby move. But for a mother expecting her second or third child, it can sometimes be as early as 13 weeks.
You can feel your baby's movements best when you are still, sitting or lying down.
How does it feel when a baby is struggling?
Many mothers describe this experience in different ways. Some describe it as a butterfly fluttering in their stomach . Others may feel like they are being fed a meal or something is turning inside their stomach .
In the early stages, it can be a little difficult to tell whether this is the baby's movement, gas , or a hungry stomach sound. But mothers who are expecting their second or third child will understand the difference.
During the second and third trimesters of your pregnancy, your baby's movements become much more pronounced. At that time, you will start to feel things like baby kicks and elbow bumps .
How often should a baby swaddle?
In the early weeks of pregnancy, you may only feel a few small movements every now and then. But as your baby grows, and usually by the end of the second trimester, your baby's movements will become stronger and more frequent . Studies have shown that by the third trimester , your baby is moving about 30 times an hour.
Babies, just like us, have sleep and wake cycles. That's why they're more active at certain times of the day. Most babies are fussy between 9pm and 1am, when you're trying to sleep. This is mainly due to changes in your blood sugar levels. Babies can also respond to sounds and touch from outside. You might even find that your partner kicks while you're cuddling at night!
Should I count the baby's movements?
After the baby starts to move (usually after 28 weeks), some doctors advise mothers with high-risk pregnancies to count these movements to make sure the baby is developing properly. We call this "fetal kick count" or "fetal movement counting."
But the most important thing is that counting movements at home can sometimes cause unnecessary fear. Therefore, it is more important than counting that you have an understanding of your baby's normal movement pattern.
If you feel that your baby is not moving as usual or is moving less than usual, contact your doctor without delay. He or she will recommend additional tests if necessary.
If you're expecting twins, counting these movements can be very difficult because you can't tell exactly which baby is moving. However, some doctors recommend following this method to keep an eye on your baby's well-being.
What to do if you don't feel the baby moving?
If you are not yet 30 weeks pregnant, don't worry if you don't feel your baby moving . And don't worry if you are not sure if what you are feeling is actually your baby moving. As your baby gets older, you will be able to distinguish and identify the movements more clearly. You will also notice at what times of day your baby moves the most. Some babies naturally move less than others.
Another reason you may not feel any movement is if your baby is sleeping . Also, in the latter part of pregnancy, the baby is large and there is not enough space inside the uterus. Therefore, you may feel more movements like rolling over instead of kicking.
But remember this: If you notice a significant change or decrease in your baby's usual activity pattern, be sure to let your doctor know. It's very important to feel your baby's movements consistently throughout the day.
How baby's movements change week by week
| Pregnancy period (weeks) | A description of the baby's movements |
|---|---|
| Week 12 | The baby is starting to move, but you may not feel it because the baby is so small. |
| Week 16 | Some mothers may feel a tiny movement, like a butterfly fluttering. This could be gas in the stomach or the baby struggling. |
| Week 20 | At this stage of your baby's development, you may actually start to feel your baby's first movements ("quickening"). |
| Week 24 | Your baby's movements are starting to become more consistent now. You may even feel the little twitches that you feel when your baby hiccups. |
| Week 28 | Now the baby is constantly struggling. Sometimes it feels like you're suffocating from the baby's kicks and kicks. |
| 36-40 weeks | The baby is now very large and the space inside the uterus is very limited. So movements may vary from kicking to rolling and twitching. However, if you notice a significant change in your baby's usual activities, inform your doctor. |
Take-Home Message
- The first movements of the baby usually begin to be felt between 16 and 25 weeks. It may be a little later for the first child.
- Every baby has a unique movement pattern. The most important thing is that you are aware of your baby's movement pattern.
- If you notice a significant decrease in your baby's usual movements, don't waste any time and go to your doctor or the nearest hospital immediately.
- While kick counting can be helpful in some cases, what's more important is your sense of your baby's normal activity. Pay attention to that.
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