As a new mother , feeling your baby move for the first time can be an exciting and an emotional experience. However, many women wonder what baby movement feels like, especially if it's their first pregnancy. Here are different types of baby movements and what they feel like, so you can better understand your baby's development:
- Quickening
Quickening is the term used to describe the first movements felt by a pregnant woman, usually between 16 and 25 weeks of pregnancy. This sensation can feel like a fluttering or bubbling sensation in the stomach, similar to gas or hunger pangs. Quickening may also feel like tiny twitches or kicks, which may be more noticeable as the baby grows and becomes more active.
- Rolling movements
As your baby grows, you may start to feel rolling or stretching movements, which can feel like a wave or a gentle rocking motion. This can be caused by your baby's movements as they shift around in the amniotic fluid(liquid that surrounds a developing fetus during pregnancy), preparing for birth.
- Kicking and punching
As your baby gets bigger and stronger, you may feel more distinct movements, such as kicks and punches. These movements can be quite strong and can even cause discomfort or pain, especially if your baby is particularly active. However, feeling your baby's kicks and punches is also a reassuring sign of their well-being, as it indicates that they are active and developing normally.
- Hiccups
You may also feel your baby's hiccups, which can be a rhythmic, repetitive movement that feels like a pulsing sensation. Hiccups are a common occurrence in the uterus, and while they may feel strange, they are generally not a cause for concern.
- Braxton Hicks contractions
In addition to your baby's movements, you may also experience Braxton Hicks contractions, which are a type of practice contraction that prepares your body for labor. These contractions can feel like a tightening or squeezing sensation in the stomach, and may be uncomfortable or even painful, but they are not a cause for concern unless they become regular or frequent.
- Decreased movement
While feeling your baby move is usually a positive sign of their health and development, it's important to note that decreased movement can be a sign of a problem. If you notice a significant decrease in your baby's movements, or if they stop moving altogether, contact your healthcare provider right away.
Feeling your baby move is an incredible experience that can help you bond with your little one before they are born. Doctors also recommend fetal kick monitoring at the later stage of pregnancy. To monitor fetal kicks, you are typically instructed to pay close attention to your baby's movements and to record the number of kicks or movements you feel within a certain period of time, usually an hour or two. This can be done using a fetal kick chart or by simply noting the number of movements in a journal or on a mobile app. From fluttering and rolling to kicking and hiccups, each movement can be a reassuring sign of your baby's well-being and development. If you suspect something is wrong, you should always consult your doctor.
