The Start of MovementFetusand its causes
One of the most beautiful moments for pregnant mothers is feeling their baby move during pregnancy. This experience not only brings joy but also reassures them about their child’s health.During PregnancyFor every mother, feeling the fetus move is delightful and brings a wave of happiness.Fetal Movementinside the womb creates a sense of joy for the mother.
If you want to learn when fetal movement starts and what the normal range of movements is during pregnancy, follow this section onSelMagzto learn more about it.
When does fetal movement start?
The time of the first movementsof the fetus
occurs around weeks 18 to 20 of pregnancy. However, for first-time mothers, it may sometimes be difficult to recognize the first fetal movements due to inexperience. If it’s the mother’s second experience, movements may be noticed as early as week 16.
If you do not feel your baby moving by week 24 of pregnancy, it’s natural. However, afterwards, you should consult with a midwife or an obstetrician to checkthe heartbeatand to ensure your baby’s health.Heartbeatof your fetus, or to perform an ultrasoundto verify the wellbeing of the fetus.The first movements of the fetus in the mother’s womb
Reasons for fetal movement in the womb of pregnant women
With advancements in medical science and the development of ultrasound scans, the reasons behind fetal movement have been identified, giving doctors a broader understanding of this phenomenon. Fetal movement begins at a time when it is not even detectable by pregnant women, and it takes a while for the mother to sense her baby’s movements.
As the pregnancy progresses, the fetus’s movements vary each month. During an ultrasound, some fetuses are awake and moving, allowing mothers to see these movements on the screen.
The onset of fetal movement occurs between weeks seven and eight of pregnancy. For example, when the baby leans to one side or makes sudden small movements in your womb.
What causes fetal movement?
How fetal movement occurs during pregnancy
1. A fetus at week 9 of pregnancy can move its arms and legs,
yawn, suck, and swallow.2. By week 10 of pregnancy, a fetus can move its head, open its jaw, and raise its arm to touch its face.
3. At 12 weeks, the fetus shows signs of fatigue by yawning and leaving its mouth open.
4. At week 14, the fetus can move its eyes.
5. By week 15, the fetus can suck its thumb. It often uses one of its thumbs to suck, which parents can identify after birth as either the right or left hand.
The ability of a fetus to move in the mother’s womb
Fetal movement in the later months
As the fetus grows and pregnancy advances, the strength of fetal movements increases. Initially, these movements may feel gentle, like fluttering or bubbling, but the fetus starts to push, turn, twist, and even kick, demonstrating its dexterity.
You should know that the fetus also sleeps for extended periods and does not constantly move. Therefore, if your fetus does not move during an ultrasound, do not worry; it’s likely sleeping. In late pregnancy, the periods of the baby’s rest lengthen, and the fetus needs about twenty minutes to rest; during the final months, this can extend to 50 to 75 minutes.
The fetal movement and its resting times in the mother’s womb
Fetal movement;
How many kicks should I feel from my baby each day?The number of kicks a mother feels during pregnancy varies, and there is no definitive number. Get to know the rhythm of your baby’s movements and try to match your movements while awake to that pattern. If you become worried that your baby isn’t moving and wonder if something is wrong, try these methods.
1. When you are active, your baby may not move, but when you are still and resting, the baby might wake up. So, eat a light snack, raise your legs above your body, and rest for a while.
2. Drink a glass of cold water; the cold causes your body temperature to drop, prompting your baby to move to warm up. Also, a glass of sweet juice can provide the energy needed for the baby to become active.
3. Making noise is also a good way to encourage movement. You can firmly close a door or play loud music to wake the baby.
If these actions get your baby moving, it’s not a problem. However, if even after trying these three methods your baby still doesn’t move, you should consult a doctor.
What if the baby does not continue to move?
When should I see a doctor regarding
fetal inactivity?If you notice any of the following signs, visit a healthcare center and see a doctor.If after lying on your side for two hours, you feel fewer than ten kicks or movements.
If you made noise but the baby did not wake up or move.
- If you notice a gradual or sudden decrease in fetal movements and kicks against the walls of your uterus.
- If you experience these symptoms, consult your doctor to check the fetal heartbeat, its size, and the amount of amniotic fluid, ensuring your baby’s health. However, if you sense again that the fetal movements have decreased, inform your doctor for your peace of mind regarding your baby’s wellbeing.
- Fetal movement in males
What should I eat to encourage fetal movement?
