Baby Kicking During Pregnancy: Interpreting The Health Of Your Pregnancy

An exciting turn occurs when you start feeling the movement or the baby's kicks during pregnancy.

Dec 19, 2023

Quickening in pregnancy occurs when the mother-to-be starts feeling baby kicks during pregnancy. The mother now knows that her baby is healthy, and they feel connected with the little life. The placenta is the source of energy for your baby. The energy supply must be enough to make that fetal movement. Your healthcare provider will teach you to monitor the movements of the fetus. 

Decreased fetal movements can be a warning sign in your baby’s growth. You must quickly visit the best pregnancy hospital in Ahmedabad for overall pregnancy care and wellness. They have the best equipment and modern facilities to provide early care during pregnancy and support the mother during the nine months.

When do Baby Kicks Start During Pregnancy?

When does the baby start kicking? Well, everyone’s pregnancy is different, and each baby is unique. The baby’s kicks are a sign that your baby is healthy and developing normally.

Most mothers will start feeling baby movements in the womb between 16 to 24 weeks. Here, the location of the placenta will not be affected by the baby’s sensation. Women experiencing their 2nd or subsequent pregnancies can feel the baby kick earlier. 

If you do not experience baby kicks by 24 weeks, visit the best pregnancy care in Ahmedabad. The gynecologist will perform due checkups and diagnosis to understand the whole situation.

Baby Movements in Pregnancy: What Does Normal Movement Looks Like? 

When baby movement starts in pregnancy, the expectant mothers will normally feel the bubbles, futters, and twinges that may often feel like gas. The early sensations are mistaken as the gastrointestinal sensations.

The mother can feel the kicks, rolls, and punches when the baby starts growing. It is like a ‘delightful dance’ that little life is doing. Enjoy these movements, as it makes you feel connected. These quickening sensations inside the womb become more frequent with jabbing, elbowing, and more kicks. 

Mothers who are experiencing their first pregnancy may not feel the baby’s movement in pregnancy until 20 weeks. If you had the baby before, your uterine muscles would relax, and you can experience the kicks a little earlier. Here’s what the normal baby kicks will look like in your first few trimesters:

  • Between 20 to 24 Weeks: Which month does baby movement start? If you are skeptical about this, the first kick you will feel during this time only. It is like a flutter known as ‘quickening’ in medical terms. The kicks will feel like small bubbles in your tummy.
  • Between 24 to 28 Weeks: You will feel short and repetitive movements in your womb, like the baby hiccups. It is not a problem sign, as hiccups are an essential process during your baby’s development. This way, the baby breathes. The baby’s kicks during this period will increase because they are becoming aware of their surroundings. The loud noises will make your baby ‘jump,’ but you can pacify through your soothing voice. Talk to your baby, and they will recognize your voice.
  • During 29 Weeks: You will start feeling little jabs and heavy kicks during baby movements in the 7th month. You, your partner, friends, and family can also feel this magical moment.
  • During 32 Weeks: Now is the period for the final birthing position so that the movements will become frequent. Most babies turn their heads down to come to the right position. These shifts will make your baby kick more. Moreover, you need to lie down in a comfortable position during this period.
  • Around 36 to 40 Weeks: The kicks will strengthen, and the little jabs can be felt near the rib cage. Around this time, the baby reaches the exact birth weight, and they have enough room to move about. The kicking pattern will remain strong, though.

You can also encourage your baby to kick if you are worried beyond 24 weeks. You can lie on your left side, supporting your tummy and giving enough comfort for a kick. Mothers can play some soft music (remember not to high pitched). It might gently wake your baby to make their first kick. Also, always choose the right maternity hospital where you can have the proper early pregnancy checkups and get the best birthing experience. 

Is It Important To Keep The Track Of Baby Kicks?

Yes. It is essential to keep track of the fetal movement as it helps to know about the fetus’s health. Start counting from the first time you felt the kick. Regular kick count will help you to know when the baby’s kick pattern changed.

You can track the kick counts in the following ways:

  • Kicks you felt in one hour
  • Measure how much time the baby took to kick 10 times inside the womb
  • Keep the kick count through modern mobile apps
  • Count the 10 kicks within an hour before the onset of the 2nd hour

However, if there is a sudden drop in the kick counts when observing daily, you must call your doctor immediately. A decreased kick count may point towards a ruptured amniotic sac or a reduction in the amniotic fluid. It also helps the doctors to detect any early-stage complications. During your 9th month, you must be vigilant about the kick counts. It will help you track your baby’s health until the labor pain starts.

Note: Do not ignore your baby’s long breaks in the womb. If you find less to no response from the fetus, it’s time to see your gynecologist. 

Get Maternity Services from the Right Healthcare Providers!

Every healthcare provider looks forward to a safe and healthy pregnancy for new mothers. Monitoring baby kicks during pregnancy lets the mother and the doctors know about the unborn child’s health. The track of fetal movement is necessary to make the pregnancy a smooth ride for both the mother and the baby. 

Jigisha Specialty Hospital strives to achieve this by providing expectant mothers with the best pre-natal and post-natal care. We focus on your overall health from when you get pregnant until you meet your newborn.

Book your appointment today!