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One of the most memorable and joyous landmarks of pregnancy is feeling your baby move for the first time. Feeling that little life move inside you is indeed an indescribable feeling and every mother looks forward with eagerness to feel the same. Feeling your baby move inside you means that the baby is healthy and well. Since every baby is unique in their own way, it is important that you understand your baby’s movement pattern. So if you are curious about what it would feel like, and what is there to expect, you are at the right place. Read on to know all that there is about a baby’s movement during pregnancy and how you should deal with it.
When Will You First Feel Your Baby Moving?
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During 16th to 24th weeks of pregnancy, you will start feeling your baby’s first movement (1). Though the time period varies from one woman to the other, 24 weeks should be the maximum limit by which your baby should be moving inside you. In case you cannot feel your baby move even on your 24th week, it is best to consult your doctor.
What Will The Movements Of The Baby Feel Like?
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The movement of your baby will depend on their stage of growth and what they are doing inside your womb. Since every child is different, the feeling of your baby moving inside you will also vary from one mother to another.
However, typically, at the beginning, you might feel a fluttering sensation when your baby starts to move. Some babies are more active than others and their mothers will feel the sensations accordingly. Gradually, as the baby grows inside the womb you will feel swishing, tumbling or tiny kicks inside you. These early sensations are often known as ‘quickening.’ As your pregnancy progresses, these sensations become more distinct and you feel more of their elbowing, kicks, and jabbing.
How Often Should You Feel Your Baby’s Movement?
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There is no fixed number of times that you should be feeling your baby’s movement. Once you start feeling it you would notice that they are becoming more consistent by 24th-28th week of pregnancy. This would help you to establish a pattern in the baby’s movement and figure out the normal moving routine. If you notice something odd with the normal pattern of movement, you should consult your doctor.
It is important to keep a track of your baby’s movement pattern till their birth. Babies generally move during certain times of the day. They can move when you are sleeping and sleep when you are awake.
Is It Important To Track Your Baby’s Movement?
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While there are no specific requirements to count your baby’s kicks per day or keep a chart, it is important that you keep a track of the movements in your mind. While the exact numbers of movements are not important, knowing if the baby is moving on time or not is essential. If your baby misses their daily movements, something may be wrong and medical attention might be needed. That is why you need to be mindful about the baby’s movement.
If you are a working woman with a busy schedule, you might forget to keep a track of the pattern of the baby’s movements. In such cases, setting a reminder would be helpful. Since you will be aware of the schedule of your baby’s movements, the reminder will help you to notice if your baby is missing their movements or is moving normally.
What Are Some Myths About Baby Movements?
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The subject of pregnancy is surrounded by tons of myths. It is therefore natural that certain myths will be there around the movement of your baby. A few common myths regarding this are mentioned below.
1.The Baby Moves Less Toward The End Of The Pregnancy
This is not a proven fact and hence can be said to be a myth. There is no scientific evidence showing that the baby would be moving less as the due date comes closer. Instead, the movements should remain normal throughout the pregnancy, till the birth. In case of any discrepancy in the movements, doctor’s consultation is advised.
2.Eating Or Drinking Something Helps The Baby Move
Another common myth is that eating or drinking certain foods and drinks will stimulate the baby to move. There is no scientific basis for this claim. Instead of following such myths, if you feel the movements of your baby restricted, you should visit the doctor.
Since you are the mother, no one can know the movements of your baby better than you. As a mother, you might keep worrying about the baby’s movement and if they are moving right. However, as long as your baby moves as per the established pattern, they should be fine. In case you feel the baby is moving less frequently or a little too more frequently, you should visit your doctor. No matter how small your concern is about your baby’s movement, visiting your doctor is always the best idea. What has been your experience with your baby’s movement? Let us know in the comment section!
