If there is any moment when you can feel your unborn child before they enter the world, it is when they first move in your womb. It’s a moment that can’t be adequately expressed in words. In pregnancy, it’s no less of a milestone. If this is your second pregnancy, you already know what to expect from the baby’s movement during pregnancy. New mothers, on the other hand, find it challenging to understand until a movement pattern is established.
You must wonder why the baby moves in the womb, for example. Or what does that mean? And what should you be worried about? Don’t worry! HealthShots reached out to Dr Sangeeta Gomes, Consultant – Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Sarjapur, Bengaluru, to learn what’s normal and what’s not in terms of the baby’s movement in your womb.
Baby’s movement during pregnancy
While the feeling of your baby’s movement in your body is one of the many exciting things that come along with pregnancy, at first, this can come as a discomforting feeling. But you will naturally get used to it! Dr Gomes says, “Though baby movements in the mother’s belly are completely normal, it’s always a good idea to keep a tab on them. If you feel something is not right, you can contact your doctor for further evaluation.” Let’s take a look at some things you want to keep an eye on.
What is considered normal when it comes to baby moments in pregnancy?
You may experience the baby’s first movement, also referred to as quickening, between weeks 16 and 25 of your pregnancy. However, if it’s your first pregnancy, you might not notice it until closer to week 25. Additionally, some women experience movement as early as 13 weeks throughout a second or third pregnancy. Before that a baby is really too small to move in your womb.
Once you can feel your baby moving, it will probably take a few more weeks for your partner to start feeling your baby’s movement inside. Dr Gomes says, “By this time, you will already have an idea of the pattern in which your baby is moving. And remember that the type of movement you will feel depends on the baby’s growth and development stage.”
What does baby movement feel like?
Babies are known to move more throughout particular times of the day, and it is thought that they are more active while you sleep. The kicks will make you feel like you have butterflies in your stomach because they will make your stomach flutter. With time, you will gradually become accustomed to certain motions like kicks, jabs, and elbows.
Keep in mind that by 36–37 weeks, the baby’s movements begin to decline once more due to the baby’s increasing weight, decreased fluid volume, and the less room available for the baby to move inside the uterus.
Why are baby’s movements important?
It is important to keep track of your baby movements. If you are not paying attention to it, you can miss the important signs and signals. It would be helpful to set reminders for yourself to check in with your baby.
Also, read: 5 yoga moves to reduce muscle cramps during pregnancy
Note that it is very unusual to not feel any baby movements by the 24th week. Dr Gomes says, “In such cases, you should contact your doctor. Symptoms like slowing down movements can be a sign of an unwell baby. Your doctor will ask you to make a visit to the hospital where they will be checking your baby’s heart rate and other aspects. In some cases, you may also have an ultrasound.”
Never hesitate to contact your doctor immediately whenever you are concerned. A mother is the best judge of her own baby’s movements. Whenever your gut tells you something is amiss, seek medical help at once.
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