WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Is My Baby Moving Enough?

Pregnancy
Baby's growth during pregnancy
Is My Baby Moving Enough?
First thing's first: there's no universal norm for fetal movement, but there are some general guidelines. Around the second trimester, you'll start to feel those first flutters, which may feel like gas bubbles or light tapping.
This initial movement is called "quickening," and it's a sign that your baby is developing motor skills. Don't worry if you don't feel it exactly at the 18-week mark; some moms don't feel movement until a little later, especially if it's their first pregnancy.
  • Timing: Between 18-25 weeks, you should start feeling your baby move.
  • Frequency: There's no set number, but most moms-to-be notice an increase in movement up to the 32nd week.
  • Pattern: No strict schedule here, but you'll get to know your baby's active times.
Note: If you're ever concerned, don't hesitate to consult your healthcare provider.
Baby Olympics: What Influences Baby Movement?
Different factors influence how much your baby moves.
Everything from what you eat to your activity level can either rev up or slow down your baby's movements. High sugar and caffeine intake can make some babies more active, while a relaxing bath or gentle music might lull them into a quiet spell.
Similarly, your own activity levels can act as a rocking motion, often putting the baby to sleep when you're most active and then causing a baby dance party when you finally sit down!
  • Food & Drink: Spicy foods, caffeine, and sugary snacks can lead to more active periods.
  • Your Activity: Walking, running, or even just moving around can affect your baby's movements.
  • External Stimuli: Loud noises, bright lights, and even temperature can impact how much your little one moves.
👶💃 Don't forget, each baby is unique, so what riles up one kiddo might not have the same effect on another.
Tracking the Action: How to Monitor Movements
The "kick count" method is a popular way to keep tabs on your baby's movements, especially in the third trimester.
Here's how it works: Choose a time when your baby is usually active, and count the number of kicks, rolls, or jabs you feel.
Aim for at least 10 movements within two hours. Don't be alarmed if it takes less time; some babies are just more active!
  • Timing: Opt for the same time every day to track movements.
  • Tools: Use a notebook to jot down each movement.
  • Consult: If you notice a sudden decrease in movement or don't reach 10 within two hours, consult your healthcare provider immediately.
🕒⚠️ Remember, a decrease in fetal movement can be a warning sign, but it's not always cause for alarm. Always consult with your healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation.
When to Seek Medical Advice
You know your body and baby best. If something feels off, trust your instincts and consult your healthcare provider.
A non-stress test or ultrasound may be advised to check on your little one's well-being. Sometimes, lack of movement could be due to the baby resting or sleeping, but it's always better to be safe and get medical advice.
  • Reduced Movement: If movements lessen or cease for an extended period.
  • Change in Pattern: If your baby's regular active times have shifted dramatically.
  • No Response: If there's no increased movement even after you've tried stimulating activity like drinking cold water or changing position.
👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️ Don't hesitate to reach out to medical professionals for peace of mind and expert guidance. It's what they're there for, after all!
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C
Cilvia
10 Aug 2023

Last time my baby didn't want to turn around for the ultrasound tech. Look at my baby waving hi to her mommy 💕 her mouth moving, her hand on her head stressed from all the pictures 😫 Def my baby. Cause mommy don't like to be bothered. After this she turned around like that's enough .

Pregnancy Baby's growth during pregnancy
3 comments
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Nicole
Oh my goodness the little yawn in the beginning 😍😍😍
27 Mar 2024

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Cilvia
my baby tired of these ultrasound techs 😂
27 Mar 2024

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Lizbeth
27 May 2023

My baby has been moving non stop is that normal? I’m starting to get worried. She hasn’t stopped moving for the last 2 hours.

Pregnancy Baby's growth during pregnancy
10 comments
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Katie
Mine does the same at times .. I feel it’s better then not moving ? If you’re ever worried definitely call your dr
27 Mar 2024

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Talisha
Yes it's normal my son been doing it the past few days now he gets worse when it's bed time
27 Mar 2024

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Marilyn
27 Mar 2023

Hey girls I have a question I’m on my 3 bottle of this prenatals and I was wondering if this is enough for my baby I’m 32 weeks I tried telling my OB but she said those were enough she moves around but not as much

Pregnancy Baby's growth during pregnancy
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Marilyn
Will do so should I stop taking the other ones
27 Mar 2024

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Shayna (Shay♋️)
17 Mar 2023

My baby has been moving a LOTTT today & kicking up a storm. Never felt this much activity before so it kind of has me worried like lil boy, are u aight in there?! I normally worry cause he isn’t moving enough but he is showing out today 😩

Pregnancy Baby's growth during pregnancy
6 comments
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🍹Jenni
The less active I am I feel mine more!! I feel tho when my girl is really active she must be ok!! I worry when I don’t feel much movement so I’ll lay down until I feel her move then I’m not worried!! These babies are unpredictable sometimes!!❤️
27 Mar 2024

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Shayna (Shay♋️)
This is so me. I’ll notice when I’m mixing around a lot he’ll move maybe like once, if that at all, but while lounging is when he moves & rolls around or whatever he is up to in there lol… today however just seems different it could be because i had 2 pepsi’s in the last hour & i’m not even a soda drinker but that craving kicked in so strong after having some pizza i couldn’t resist 🤦🏾‍♀️
27 Mar 2024

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Karter’sMommy 💚
16 Mar 2023

My baby been moving so much today 😭 i hope this is normal he’s really been moving A LOT

Pregnancy Baby's growth during pregnancy
2 comments
F
Felicia
Yes my baby girl moves a lot.
27 Mar 2024

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Neomi
Yes girl my baby girl being doing the cha cha slide all day and night in my belly I swear it seems like she only chills for 30mins-1hr
27 Mar 2024

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Mary
3 Jan 2023

I feel my baby girl moving so much now, every time I feel her I use my dopplar and hear her kicks and heartbeat. Anyone else use the dopplar like your addicted? Lol I can’t get enough of hearing her moving around and how strong her heartbeat is 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🤰🏽

Pregnancy Baby's growth during pregnancy
7 comments
W
WW
How much is her heart beat?
27 Mar 2024

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Ashley
Tips on finding the heartbeat? I hear it but it’s always faint like I’m not close enough
27 Mar 2024

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Doshane
20 Nov 2022

MY BABY BE MOVING MOVING LOL CANT WAIT TILL I START FEELING THEM STRONG KICKS😩‼️

Pregnancy Baby's growth during pregnancy
2 comments
A
Angel
Not the strong 💪🏾 kicks I'm barely adjusting to the rolls and kicks now and they be in my ribs and on my bladder 🙃
27 Mar 2024

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Doshane
😂😂 trust me u get tired towards the end I kno I did with my son the kicks becomes painful and everything
27 Mar 2024

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Mercedes
30 Sep 2022

Could my baby moving around a lot mean something bad? He is always moving! It’s like he’s dancing in there

Pregnancy Baby's growth during pregnancy
11 comments
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Mercedes
Maybe he is just a wiggly baby but it seems crazy for him to move this much when at 23 weeks, I can only imagine how strong he will be in a month or two
27 Mar 2024

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Blocked user
It's better for your baby to be moving around a lot rather than not moving much or at all.
27 Mar 2024

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Monee
20 Jun 2022

My baby is so active! She won’t stop kicking me at all. Lol she literally having a party in me😩so glad I can feel her moving & knowing she’s ok & healthy, but gosh she can’t get enough 😩🫶🏽

Pregnancy Baby's growth during pregnancy
1 comments
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Cierra
17 Dec 2021

22 weeks today why isn’t my baby kicking hard enough for me to feel it I just feel light moving or him balling up sometimes …. But I’m 5 months this my 3rd baby I should be feeling harder movements I’ll be 6 months next week

Pregnancy Baby's growth during pregnancy
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Cierra
I hope so because I’ll be 6 months next week I’m worried
27 Mar 2024

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