You never know about a life until it grows inside you. You keep imagining about what is your baby doing inside...you want to feel each and every moment of your baby being with you. And after some weeks, you feel the baby movement for the very first time. The pleasure, the excitement...feelings are just beyond explanation! Read through for some information about baby movements during pregnancy.

When do baby movements start?

Typical baby movements are felt during 18 to 25 weeks depending on whether it is your first pregnancy or not. Women who are in their first pregnancy usually tend to start feeling their baby movements at around 22 to 24 weeks. The ones who have been pregnant before will usually feel it early at around 18 to 20 weeks.

Will I be able to recognise my baby movements?

The first time that you feel your baby movement is known as quickening. Sometimes you may not be able to make out whether it was a baby movement or not. To begin with it usually feels like fluttering or bubbling or butterflies in the stomach. The type of movement that you feel will change as your pregnancy progresses, when you’ll start feeling obvious kicks.

How often should my baby move?

Every woman’s pregnancy is different from another woman, and the pattern of baby movements are best understood by the mother who is carrying the baby. There is no set pattern about the frequency and intensity of baby movements. The baby movements will usually be more in the second trimester. From 32 weeks onwards, they will become a little less and remain so till you go in labor.

Why is it important to keep a track of baby movements when ultrasound provides a real-time status to me?

Ultrasounds cannot be done very frequently. Keeping a daily check of baby’s movement is important because changes in the movement pattern may indicate potential problems with your pregnancy. Decrease in baby’s movement can sometimes be an important sign that the baby is unwell. So do not wait for the next ultrasound to be done.

What is Kick Count?

Pregnant women, especially the ones with high-risk pregnancy are asked to maintain a chart of the number of movements the baby makes usually from the 28th week. Each movement is noted as one kick. In non-high-risk pregnancies, mothers are asked to maintain a chart from 34 weeks onwards. The pattern of every mother is unique. Knowing what is a normal movement pattern for your baby is the key and any deviation from the same should alert you to see your doctor. You should usually have around ten movements in two hours.

I have not felt any baby movements since some time!

See your doctor right away. Do not put off till tomorrow to seek advice if you’re worried about your baby’s movement. You may be asked to undergo an ultrasound or a non-stress test (NST) to check your baby’s health.

Experiencing your baby wriggle, twist, punch and hiccup might put you into many questions. Indulge yourself in activities you love to keep yourself going. Stay positive and maintain a healthy frame of mind. A human version of happiness is on its way!