The first baby movements in pregnancy are especially emotional for the expectant mom. After all, this is the first time your child actively makes contact with you in this way.
When are the first baby movements felt?
The first fetal movements usually occur in the second trimester, around 22. Around the first week of pregnancy. However, the exact time of the first fetal movements can vary greatly from woman to woman. Some mothers feel their baby moving as early as 18. SSW. For other pregnant women, the new feeling in the belly does not appear until the 24th week of pregnancy. Week of pregnancy on. The uterus also becomes more sensitive with each pregnancy. That is why mothers often feel their unborn child a few weeks earlier in their second pregnancy, because they know what to look out for.
The first baby movements during pregnancy
Every expectant mother eagerly awaits the first movements of the little one, because they strengthen the bond between mother and child enormously. They are also a good sign that the baby is doing well in the mother’s womb.
However, when exactly the first baby movements occur is very individual. This is due to the more sensitive muscles of the uterus. If you are pregnant for the first time, you will probably notice the first movements of your baby between the 20th week of pregnancy. and the 24. week of pregnancy.
The noticeability and intensity of the baby’s movements depend on the following factors, among others:
- The position of the placenta – with an anterior placenta, for example, kicks are often more difficult to feel
- the position of the baby – for example, if the feet and hands are facing the abdominal wall, they are more noticeable
- From the amount of amniotic fluid – for example, if there is a particularly large amount of amniotic fluid, the movements will be muffled
By the way: The baby itself moves already from the 6th week of pregnancy. SSW. However, you will not notice this because the embryo is still very small at this time.
Later perception of the child movements with front wall placenta
If the egg nests inside the uterus at the so-called anterior placenta, you will probably feel your baby a little later and more gently. This is related to the position. You may notice the movements only minimally – muffled. However, the position on the anterior wall placenta is completely harmless for the baby. Tip: The location of the placenta can be found in the maternity record and on page 10 under placental locus./-structure entered. Otherwise, you are also welcome to ask your gynecologist.
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How my baby moves in the belly?
Every pregnant woman perceives the first movements of the child individually. In the beginning, of course, you don’t feel strong kicks or a boxing child. Many pregnant women describe the first baby movements as a slight gurgling, bubbling or popping of soap bubbles or compare it to the fluttering of butterfly wings. It is also possible that your baby tickles you. As soon as your little one’s arms and legs start to form, they develop into smoother movements. Now it does not take long until the baby can also move its head.
Shortly before the birth, your baby may be so active that your belly literally makes bumps. Your protege can then also be easily felt by the father from the outside.
As long as the baby has enough room in the belly, it regularly turns and stretches. But soon it will not be so comfortable for the little one, because the space in the womb continues to decrease with increasing body size. Extensive stretching is then no longer possible. Instead, the baby is vigorously boxing with the arms or kicking with the legs. This is around 30. The case during the first week of pregnancy.
Frequency of the baby movements
Until the 20. Most pregnant women do not notice anything during the first week of pregnancy. In the second trimester, however, the baby really steps on the gas in your belly, stretching and twisting. These are very special moments. You, as an expectant mother, can perceive the kicks as greetings from your darling. Only from the third trimester onwards does it become quieter, which is due to the fact that there is less and less space in the abdomen. On top of that, babies sleep in their moms’ tummies for up to 20 hours a day. During this time they rarely move.
Midwives and gynecologists generally recommend not to get crazy about the frequency of the baby’s movements. However, this is not so easy, because you will certainly worry if your baby is not as active as you are accustomed to. If you notice significantly fewer baby movements than usual – or perhaps none at all – please consult your gynecologist.
Rarely, the kicks and punches can become a little uncomfortable. This is related to the direction of the beats and the reduced amount of amniotic fluid.
Stimulate baby movements
Usually it does not take much to stimulate the child’s movements. Why not talk to your baby in a soft voice or sing to him or her?. This is often enough. Likewise, a light stroking of the belly can trigger movements of the baby. Eating and drinking can also help. This is because the sounds of the bowels usually wake the baby up.
You may also be able to trigger baby movements by changing your sitting or lying position.
By the way, the baby reacts to your sensations. So it is possible that your baby will box you when you are stressed.
The best tips to trigger baby movements
- Talking to the baby or singing a song to it.
- Stroking your belly.
- Change the sitting or lying position.
- Eat or drink a little something.
The most important questions about fetal movements at a glance
From when you can feel baby movements?
If you have already had a baby, you will notice the first movements around 18 weeks of age. SSW notice – maybe even earlier. With the first baby bump, the earliest fetal movements usually occur from 20. Week of pregnancy up. However, most women do not notice the first movements until between the 22nd week of pregnancy. and the 24. SSW.
How do baby movements feel??
At first you will notice a tickle or a gurgle. As the pregnancy progresses, these slight movements will turn into small kicks and thumps, which you can even observe on the abdominal wall.
How often does the baby move?
At the beginning of pregnancy you will not notice any movements and then irregular ones. In the second trimester, things really get going in your belly and you will feel baby movements almost every day. In the third trimester, usually not a day goes by when you don’t notice any movements.
Should I worry if my child does not move??
If your baby moves regularly and you can stimulate your darling to move – by a song, stroking or similar – your child is doing well. If your child moves significantly less often and more weakly than usual, please have this clarified by your gynecologist or midwife. You can, of course, go to a clinic on the weekend. The midwife or doctors can determine if your baby is doing well.
Author Info:
Anja Schroder is a mother herself and has been writing as a freelance copywriter for several large family blogs for many years. Her main focus is on family issues, which she vividly portrays through storytelling in her writing.