When a pregnant woman first feels the first kicks of her developing fetus it is a time of great excitement. The unborn baby’s movements, also referred to as fetal movements, are very important in monitoring the well being of the developing baby and also help the pregnant woman feel closer to the little life inside of her.
What are normal movements for the unborn baby?
The majority of pregnant women first notice their developing baby moving when they are about 18-20 weeks pregnant. If this is the woman’s first pregnancy, movements might be felt a few weeks later.
What do movements feel like?
Pregnant women feel their unborn baby’s movements as a kick, flutter, swish or roll, butterflies, nervous twitches, or a tumbling motion. Some women describe the feeling as a smooth crawling inside their abdomen.By the second and third trimesters, the movements should be more distinct, and the pregnant woman will feel her baby’s kicks, jabs, and elbows.As the pregnancy progresses the number and types of fetal movements will change. Movements will also vary depending on the sleeping patterns of the baby. The pregnant woman should continue to feel movements until the delivery of her newborn. Studies show that by the third trimester, the baby moves about 30 times each hour.The number of movements tends to increase until 32 weeks of pregnancy and then stay about the same, although the type of movement may change as you get nearer to your due date.
Why is monitoring fetal movements important?
Many women are reassured that their developing baby is doing well when they feel movements. A drastic change in movements or patterns may be the first signs that the baby is unwell. If this occurs you should contact your obstetrician, midwife or your health care professional.
How much movements are normal?
There is no specific number of movements which is normal. During a pregnancy, each woman learns to be aware of her baby’s individual pattern of movements. A reduction or a change in your baby’s movements is what is important. A number of factors might influence a pregnant woman’s perception of fetal movements. If the pregnant woman is very busy and active she is likely to be aware of fetal movements. If the placenta (afterbirth) is at the front of the woman’s uterus (womb), it may not be so easy for her to feel her baby’s movements. Some babies move more than others. Babies also tend to move less when they are sleeping.
Causes of decrease fetal movements?
In some cases a decrease in fetal movements might indicate a problem with the pregnancy, but other factors can also cause fetal movements to be less. Certain drugs, such as strong pain relief or sedatives, can get into an unborn baby’s circulation and can make the baby move less. Alcohol and smoking may also affect your baby’s movements. In rare cases,a condition affecting the muscles or nerves may cause him or her to move very little or not at all.
What to do if you notice decrease fetal movements?
If you are pregnant and have felt fetal movements, and then notice a significant change in the fetal movements, you should always seek professional help, especially if you are more than 30 weeks gestation. Never ignore this. The management of this problem will depend on the stage of your pregnancy. Monitoring of the fetal heart, ultrasound scan and other tests, can be done to assess the fetus. Fetal growth and development will be closely monitored. After a clinical assessment, including a number of investigations, most women will be told about the well being of their fetus. If there are any concerns about your baby, your doctor or midwife will discuss this with you.
Follow-up scans may be arranged. In some circumstances, you may be advised that it would be safer for your baby to be born as soon as possible. This would depend on your individual situation and how far you are in your pregnancy.
Conclusion
All pregnant women are aware when they first feel their developing baby makes his or her first movements. Each fetus develops its own pattern of fetal movements and the pregnant woman will be aware of this. Any change in this pattern, especially after 30 weeks of pregnancy, should require a conversation with your health care provider.
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. Dr Brett Hodge is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor who has over thirty years in clinical practice. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in the Johnson Building in The Valley.
