Sometimes your baby feels like a ninja with his or her jabs inside your tummy. Other times baby might seem too quiet. Fetal movement offers peace of mind that the baby is active, as well as the amazing feeling of having a tiny human growing inside you. So how much movement is normal and when should you be concerned?
Dalton Baird, MD, obstetrics and gynecology expert of Avera OB/GYN in Mitchell, SD, answers common questions about your little one’s activity in your womb.
When should I start feeling baby move?
Everyone’s pregnancy is different, but on average, you’ll feel baby move around week 20. If your baby is an early mover, maybe you’ll feel him or her at week 16. The first movements usually feel like light flutters.
“Movements, especially the big ones, can be shocking and uncomformable at first,” said Baird, “but there’s nothing to be concerned about if there’s no lingering discomfort afterward.”
What movements are considered normal?
Your uterus will experience a lot of interesting activity as your baby shifts around. Rolls, punches and kicks are typical. Your baby can even hiccup inside of you.
“Other normal sensations include your baby pushing off of your uterus’ wall, or pressing down into your cervix or pelvis,” said Baird.
Read more: What to Expect During the Second Trimester of Pregnancy
How much fetal movement is normal?
Around 28 weeks, your baby will be the most active. Something your OB/GYN will ask you to do is track “kick counts,” or the number of fetal movements.
You’re looking for approximately 10 kicks in two hours. Do this daily; avoid allowing this to drop off your to-do list.
A good time to monitor kick counts is in the evening. Take time to relax from the day, sit down and track what you’re sensing in your belly. Sometimes moms-to-be wonder if baby is moving too much, but Baird reassures more movement than expected is a good thing.
“As your due date draws near, you’ll notice smaller movements from your baby,” said Baird. “This is normal. Continue to track, aiming for the same 10 movements in two hours.”
What things make baby move?
“There’s some researched accuracy that certain things can perk up your baby and increase their movement,” said Baird.
If you drink a coffee, soda or an energy drink (choose lower caffeine content), there’s a likelihood your baby might get a spark of activity not long afterward as the caffeine makes its way into your system. Do not exceed 200 mg of caffeine per day, or about two 8-ounce cups of coffee.
Also, if there’s a concern your baby isn’t moving as much as you’re anticipating, your doctor might counsel you to drink juice or eat a carb-dense food to encourage a reaction from your baby.
When should I be concerned?
“If you’re not experiencing at least some movement by week 28, that’s when we have concerns,” said Baird.
In addition, if you notice your baby’s movement takes a downward turn all of a sudden, it could mean he or she is conserving energy because they’re stressed. Reasons your baby might be stressed include:
- You are stressed, and baby is experiencing the rising of your own cortisol
- Lack of oxygen, perhaps due to the placement of the placenta or umbilical cord
- Your diagnoses, including preeclampsia or gestational diabetes
At Avera, your pregnancy team’s main goal is to help you have a healthy pregnancy. Never hesitate to call with questions so your provider can create a plan that fits your needs.
