First fetal movement
Some mothers can feel their
babies moving as early as 13 to 16 weeks after the last period starts. These
first fetal movements are called acceleration and are often described as
fluttering. It can be hard to tell if this sensation is due to gas or your
baby's movement, but you will soon start to notice a pattern. First-time
mothers may not feel these first fetal movements as early as second-time
mothers.
Some mothers, especially
during their first pregnancy, may not feel movement until 18 to 20 weeks.
Remember that every woman and every pregnancy is different, so you may not feel
the movement as early as the other woman. There is a wide range of time when
motion can be felt for the first time, from 13 to 25 weeks.
Why is my baby moving?
As your baby grows, he will
stretch and flex his limbs. As your pregnancy progresses, you will begin to
feel more obvious movements such as kicking, pushing, and rolling. Your baby
may also move when he reacts to noise or your emotions.
If your child finds a position
in which you are uncomfortable, he may also begin to squirm. Some of the foods
you eat can also make your baby more active and you may notice them going
through sleep-wake cycles.
How often should my child move?
As your pregnancy progresses,
you will need to keep track of how often your baby moves each day. In the third
trimester, you may notice that your baby's movements have become more frequent
and vigorous and occur on a regular basis.
However, while the movements
are still regular, they may change towards the end of the third trimester as
the baby is larger and more restricted in the womb. Talk to your doctor if you
notice a decrease in your child's movements.
From the 28th week, you should
start counting your baby's movements. This will help you identify potential
problems and can also be a great bonding experience between you and your child.
Using the strike table can be very helpful.
When counting your child's
movements, choose the same time each day. You may find it easier to lie on your
left side and write down the time it takes to feel 10 movements. For more
information about recording movements, see the number of kicks.
What if I can't feel my baby's movements?
If you have saved your child's movement chart and notice a significant deviation from the pattern, contact your doctor. If you don't feel 10 moves in 2 hours, try again later in the day.