Feeling your baby’s movements for the first time is definitely one of the most precious moments you will feel as a mother. Finally getting to feel your unborn baby’s first movements inside you and starting to create your special bond with your baby will have you skip a heartbeat.
First-time moms usually can’t wait for this precious moment. They ask their doctors questions like “What will it feel like?” “When will it first happen?” It is important to understand that every pregnancy is different. Some mothers may feel their first babies’ kicks earlier than others. What is more important is understanding and monitoring your baby’s movements inside you as it is an important factor that you need to focus on because it may signal health issues regarding your baby.
Via: Smart Parents- First baby kicks
When will I feel the first kick?
Do not expect to feel any kicks during your first trimester as your baby is still developing and will be way too small for you to feel any kicks or movements.
You will likely experience your baby’s first kicks – also known as quickening – during weeks 13-26 of your pregnancy. You may not feel strong kicks or movements, but you will definitely be sensing your baby’s movements inside your tummy. Most mothers experience the first kicks by weeks 18-22 depending on each case.
What will the kick feel like?
Via: Babylist- Baby’s first kicks
The bigger the baby gets, the more intense and the more you will feel the kicks. As your baby gets bigger, the space he or she has in your uterus gets smaller, its movements will be felt and clear as you move further along your pregnancy.
The first movements will feel very light and may feel like there’s something swimming in your tummy.
During your second and third trimester, you will feel the punches, turns, and twirls of your baby. You will also begin noticing a pattern of your baby’s movements.
How often should my baby kick?
Via: Softsens- Baby’s first kicks
Monitoring your baby’s movements and kicks is very important, especially towards the end of your pregnancy. You may not feel your baby’s movements during the day, simply because you were too busy to notice the movement. Your baby may move more during your sleep, or if you eat something sweet.
When should I worry?
Via: Lamaze International- Baby’s first kicks
Towards the end of your pregnancy, your doctor will ask you to monitor your baby’s kicks and count them. The best way to do this is to count the number of kicks your baby does within a certain period of time. For example, your baby can kick you 10 times within 45 minutes. It is best to count the kicks at the same time every day. If you notice any changes within this time frame – meaning your baby is moving more or less than usual – contact your doctor.
If you feel like your baby isn’t moving, don’t panic, he or she may simply be sleeping. Here are some tips you can do to increase their movement.
- Eat something sweet
- Speak to them
- Walk or move around
- Point any kind of flashlight to your belly.
- Gently poke your belly to help the baby move
Sources:
- First Fetal Movement: Quickening – American Pregnancy Association
- Baby movements during pregnancy – Pregnancy Birth And Baby
- Have Your Baby’s Movements Changed? Here’s When to Worry – Healthline
Further reading:
- The Good and Bad Sides of Pregnancy’s First Trimester
- Signs and Symptoms You Are Going Into Labor
- Benefits Of Pregnancy Massage
