One of the most exciting moments of pregnancy is feeling your baby kick. But when will you be able to feel your baby move, and how will it feel? You will feel your baby move at some point during your pregnancy. Your baby may kick, hiccup, roll, turn, or twist, for example. These movements are common and predictable. These movements will become stronger as your baby grows. Continue reading to find out more about this exciting pregnancy milestone and what to expect after that first thrilling sensation!
Why are baby movements important?
Is your baby starting to move? If they are, it is a sign that they are doing well and that the fetus is growing in size and strength. Typically, the mother is the first to notice these movements, which can later be detected by others. Your baby may move too much at times, but do not worry; the important thing is to be aware of your baby's usual movement patterns. If your baby is ill, he or she will be less active than usual. This means that less movement may indicate an infection or another problem.
The sooner this is discovered, the better, so that you and your baby can receive the appropriate treatment and care.
What do baby movements feel like?
Your baby's movements may feel like kicks as they become stronger and more precise. However, the term "baby kicks" is often used to describe any strong fetal movements, and your baby is not kicking all the time (though they do!). Your child may be hiccupping, moving their elbows, changing positions, pushing, or engaging in any other type of movement.
The sensation of baby kicking will change throughout your pregnancy, beginning with choreographed movements at 6 months and progressing to stronger punches and kicks at 7 months, followed by wriggling and turning as baby grows rapidly in months 8 and 9.
As your pregnancy progresses, the type of movement you experience may change. As a result, avoid comparing your baby's movements to others’.
When will you feel your baby move?
You may feel your baby move as early as 16 weeks (about 3 and a half months), but most women experience movement between 18 and 24 weeks (about 5 and a half months). If this is your first pregnancy, you may not notice the movements of your baby until you are more than 20 weeks (about 4 and a half months) pregnant. Some first-timers may take longer than 20 weeks (about 4 and a half months) to feel movement, but you should definitely feel movement by 24 weeks (about 5 and a half months). If you have not felt any movement by then, you should contact your doctor, who will assist you in checking your baby's heartbeat and movements.
It may take a little longer during earlier stage of pregnancy to realize that those gentle bubbling or popping sensations are actually your baby moving! There will be exceedingly rare noticeable kicks. You may experience several movements one day and none the next. Although your baby is constantly moving and kicking, many of their movements are not strong enough for you to notice. However, those reassuring kicks will become stronger and more frequent later in the second or early third trimester. Sitting quietly or lying down may make it easier to feel your baby.
Baby movement is an essential part of your little one's development. Movement helps them grow and maintains the health of their joints, muscles, and bones. Stretching and kicking will help prepare your baby’s life after they are born. Baby movement is a magical moment of pregnancy. It is exciting to know that there is a life growing within you. So, moms, sit back, relax, and enjoy this breathtaking memory.
References:
1. Boehrer, R.H. (2015) Feeling your baby move during pregnancy: Your pregnancy matters: UT southwestern medical center, Your Pregnancy Matters | UT Southwestern Medical Center. Available at: https://utswmed.org/medblog/fetal-movements/ (Accessed: February 13, 2023).
2. Larson, J. (2020) When to worry about fetal movement: Decreases and increases, Healthline. Healthline Media. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/when-to-worry-about-fetal-movement (Accessed: February 13, 2023).
3. Thomas, D.L. (2018) Fetal movements in pregnancy, Fetal Movements in Pregnancy. Available at: https://www.news-medical.net/health/Fetal-Movements-in-Pregnancy.aspx (Accessed: February 13, 2023).
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