When Can You Feel Baby Moving?
It can often be a magical moment when you feel your baby move inside you for the first time. According to the American Pregnancy Association, typically, first-time mothers feel the baby for the first time between 18 and 25 weeks, while others may not feel the baby move until the end of the second trimester.
Factors Affecting When You Feel Baby Moving
There are a variety of factors that can influence when you feel your baby move, including:
- Location of the placenta: If the placenta is located on the front of the uterus, it can make it more difficult to feel the baby’s movements.
- Size of Your Baby: Smaller babies tend to have less powerful movements, making it harder to feel.
- Amount of Amniotic Fluid: Too little amniotic fluid can cushion your baby’s movements, so you may not feel as much movement.
- Your Weight: If you are overweight, the extra padding around your uterus may muffle the baby’s movements.
- Your Activity: Laying down or napping in a quiet place can make it easier to feel the baby’s movements.
What Does Baby Movement Feel Like?
For many women, the feeling of baby movements is often described as a fluttering sensation. Some women have also reported feeling bubbles, rolling, tumbling, and tapping. Some movements may be more vigorous and include kicking, punching, and somersaulting.
When Is It Time To Contact Your Doctor?
It is important to monitor your baby’s movements and report any sudden decreases or changes to your doctor. It is recommended that all pregnant women should perform a daily kick count at least twice a day, which can help determine when it is time to contact your doctor.
When feeling the movements, count how many times you feel the baby move in a two-hour period. If you do not feel 10 movements during this two-hour period, contact your doctor.
It is important to remember that not all women will feel their baby move at the same time. However, keep track of your baby’s movements, so that if there is a sudden decrease, you can contact your doctor immediately.