Pregnancy is marked by many milestones that bring future parents closer to the arrival of their child. Among these unique moments during these nine months of pregnancy, feeling your baby move for the first time is one of the most memorable moments if you are pregnant . This phenomenon, often described as little bubbles or even little butterflies, symbolizes an intimate connection between the mother-to-be and her baby.
However, the question of when exactly this first movement occurs intrigues many parents-to-be. How can you recognize the movements of the baby in utero? Is it the same time for all pregnancies? When can dad feel his baby? Let's explore all these questions in this blog article to better understand this very special moment in the life of a pregnant woman at each stage of pregnancy.
When can you feel your baby moving in your belly?
If you do ultrasounds , you will see that your baby makes movements from the first trimester of pregnancy, ranging from tilting his head to moving his limbs or putting his fingers in his mouth. But on your side, you should not feel them until later.
Feeling your baby move for the first time is an unforgettable experience for all expectant mothers. In general, the first movements come very quickly at the beginning of pregnancy but are not perceptible to the mother until between the 18th and 20th amenorrhea week of pregnancy, i.e. from the second trimester of pregnancy . However, this moment can vary from one woman to another depending on several factors, including whether the expectant mother is in her first pregnancy or not.
Women who are pregnant for the first time often feel these movements a little later , while those who have been pregnant before (second pregnancy or more) can feel them as early as the 16th week of amenorrhea (i.e. 14 weeks of pregnancy) .
The baby's weight, position, and attention to subtle cues can also influence the perception of these early movements . The placenta can impact the perception of fetal movements . The placenta 's location at the front of the uterus allows you to perceive fetal movements a little later , because this large organ prevents you from feeling early kicks .
Pregnant women expecting twins may feel the tiny movements of their babies long before a singleton pregnancy.
For parents who are eager to feel those first touches, it is important to remember that every pregnancy is unique and different and the moment when you feel your baby move can vary from one woman to another. In fact, some women can feel their baby move as early as 12 weeks . However, this is not common at this stage of pregnancy.
You might like this anti-stretch mark routine
How to recognize your baby's movements in your womb?
Describing your baby's first movements in the womb can be tricky and complicated, especially for first-time moms. Your little one's first movements are often subtle and can be confused with gas, gurgling, or other digestive sensations.
However, these light "knocks" or "flutters" characteristic of the baby are differentiated by their rhythm and location. Often described as bubbles bursting , a quivering or fluttering of butterflies inside the belly, these movements usually occur in the lower part of the abdomen. As the pregnancy progresses, these sensations become more distinct and regular, allowing the mother-to-be to recognize with certainty the movements of her baby. To better perceive them, it is advisable to relax and pay attention to quiet moments, often at the end of the day or after a meal , when the baby is usually more active. You can also eat something sweet and lie down
On the contrary, your baby, in his pocket of amniotic fluid, also feels when you caress his belly and this since the first months of pregnancy. preferably on the left side to feel the small movements of your baby .
At the end of pregnancy, the baby's movements become more regular and easily perceptible, providing a reassuring indication of the baby's good health and development. On the other hand, if you notice that your baby is no longer moving at all or that his movements are abnormally reduced, it is essential to consult a health professional quickly.
When can dad feel his baby?
The moment when the future father can feel his baby move is often highly anticipated and represents an important step in the bond he creates with the baby.
Typically, this happens a few weeks after the expectant mother begins to feel the first little kicks, often around the 24th to 28th week of pregnancy. At this point, the baby's kicks and movements become stronger and can be felt through the abdominal wall . To increase the chances of perceiving these movements, it is advisable to choose times when the baby is most active, usually in the evening or after the mother has eaten. The father can gently place his hand on the belly and wait for these gentle movements that mark a moment of emotion and unique connection!
How do I know if my baby is healthy?
As pregnancy monitoring appointments remain infrequent, counting baby movements in the womb is a simple and effective method to monitor the health and well-being of the baby during pregnancy. These movements, which include kicks, rolls and twists, are key indicators of fetal activity and oxygenation.
When you start counting your baby's movements , keep a close eye on the time. Once you feel six distinct kicks or movements, check the time. If your baby has completed these six movements in less than two hours, this is a great indicator of his well-being. This regular monitoring helps ensure that the baby is active and healthy, reinforcing monitoring during pregnancy.
In the third trimester and rather towards the end of pregnancy, your future baby will have much less room to move. Thus, you should feel him move less. If you feel his movements at least once every half day, there is no real cause for concern.
A noticeable decrease or change in the frequency of movements may signal a problem, such as fetal stress or a complication that requires immediate medical attention. By regularly monitoring and being aware of movements, parents can detect any abnormalities more quickly and schedule an appointment with their midwife, gynecologist, or sonographer. This sensitivity helps ensure proactive pregnancy monitoring and prevent serious complications through ultrasound or heart monitoring. notably.
If you liked this blog post, check out the blog post, 5 Prenatal Yoga Poses to Prepare for Childbirth .
