Normal Fetal Movement During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a whirlwind of changes for your body that don't always feel so great (think morning sickness or constipation). But don't worry, there are upsides! One sensation that is universally loved and often the cause of much excitement is that first kick. But after you feel the first flutter of movement, you may notice that your baby's kicks seem to roam and change. As your pregnancy progresses and your baby grows, you'll soon find a rhythm to those kicks and rolls.

So, what does normal baby movement during pregnancy feel like? Here are some common fetal movements you may experience, including what to expect and when to call a doctor.

First Fetal Movements: Fluttering, Bubbles, and Quickening

Even though your growing fetus will begin moving by week 12, the first fetal movement parents detect is called "quickening" and is usually felt between 16 and 20 weeks of pregnancy. The uterus and the intestines, behind the uterus, don't have nerves that can sense all those baby kicks. That means that by the time you begin to feel movement in your womb, the baby is strong enough to push against the front of your belly, where the nerves in your abdomen and skin can pick up the sensations.

Some reasons quickening is felt later than 20 weeks for some pregnant parents could be:

• Amniotic fluid: The more amniotic fluid, the more space there is for your growing fetus to move around.
• Obesity: If you are overweight or obese, you have a thicker abdominal wall, which can make feeling the first kicks take a little longer.
• Anterior placenta: If the placenta is located in the front of the uterus, it could make kicking more difficult to feel since there is extra padding between the baby and your belly skin.

How people describe the feeling of "quickening" varies but is most often described as fluttering, bubbles, soft tumbling, or even a pulsing sensation. Because the movements can feel subtle, many first-time pregnant parents will dismiss the movement as gas or muscle spasms. But don't worry, those kicks will get stronger.

Fetal Hiccups

The general thought in science is that involuntary muscle spasms in the diaphragm cause hiccups. But why this mysterious reflex happens to begin with is still largely unknown. We do know that humans will experience hiccups as early as in the womb. In one study, researchers found that when a growing fetus hiccups, particularly during the last trimester, there is a significantly lowered risk of stillbirth. So, what do fetal hiccups feel like? If you notice small movements in quick succession that seem to have some rhythm, your baby might have hiccups, but don't worry; those hiccups won't hurt your baby.

Fetal hiccups are a normal movement and typically nothing to worry about; however, if you notice that fetal hiccups occur for extended periods (more than 15 minutes), or are followed by decreased fetal movement, call your doctor.

Movement and Kicking in the Pubic Area

You might expect those fetal kicks to happen against your growing belly throughout pregnancy, but that is not always the case. You may be surprised to find that you can feel your baby kicking your cervix and even your bladder. But don't worry, fetal movements in the pubic area are normal and very common, if not annoying.

Foot Pressing On Your Pregnant Belly

Sometime during your third trimester, you may notice that your once perfectly round pregnant belly occasionally has some lumps that look suspiciously like...a foot? That's because there is very little room left in your womb, and when your baby stretches and moves, you might be able to see an outline of their heel or elbow, bottom or knees protruding a little bit as they roll across your belly, not to mention, feel a pretty big kick. This is completely normal, painless, and can even make for some fun family videos.

The closer you get to labor, the less your baby will have space for acrobats, so enjoy them while you can.

Fetal Movements Are Slowing Down

By the time you reach the final weeks of pregnancy, you may be asked by your doctor to keep track of kick counts. Kick counts can help you identify any potential problems and may even help you identify movement patterns like when your growing baby takes naps. If you are tracking kick counts, make sure to choose a time of day when your baby is most active.

Here are a few common reasons why you are not feeling fetal movements:

• Sex: The rhythmic motions of having sex can put your unborn baby to sleep.
• Exercise: Similar to sex, walking, jogging, and other repetitive movements can rock your baby to sleep.
• Naps: Your fetus is establishing patterns of sleep just like a newborn.

However, the above lulls in fetal movement should eventually resolve typically within an hour. Call your doctor if you think your baby isn't moving enough—or much less than usual—as that could be a sign of some of the following issues:

• Nuchal cord is a medical term that describes when the umbilical cord wraps around the festus' neck. While common, very tight nuchals can potentially restrict fetal movement.
• Placental dysfunction can lead to restricted growth and slowed movements.
• Oligohydramnios is a rare condition when there is not enough amniotic fluid for the fetus.
• Infection or illness can cause your baby to become tired and move less.

What To Do if Your Baby Stops Moving

Call your doctor if you notice fetal movements slow down significantly or if you have not felt any kicking by week 24. Although there may be a simple and even benign explanation for any halt in activity during any point of your pregnancy, always call your doctor immediately if you are concerned.