Pregnant individuals often experience internal sensations that can be confusing when trying to identify early fetal movements. This article clarifies the nature of fetal movements throughout pregnancy and how they can be distinguished from other bodily sensations.
Early Fetal Movements
The initial perception of fetal movement, known as “quickening,” typically occurs between 16 and 25 weeks of pregnancy. These movements are often subtle and can be mistaken for other internal sensations like gas, indigestion, or muscle twitches. Quickening is often described as a gentle fluttering, bubbling, or tapping sensation, similar to butterflies or popcorn popping. Some may also feel light rolls or tiny pulses.
The sensation can be soft and irregular, making it challenging for first-time parents to identify. If it is not a first pregnancy, individuals may recognize these subtle feelings earlier, sometimes around 13 to 16 weeks. The developing fetus begins moving around 12 weeks, but its movements are usually too small to be felt at that early stage.
Distinguishing Fetal Movements from Other Sensations
Differentiating fetal movements from other common abdominal sensations during pregnancy requires attention to the qualities of the feeling. Gas bubbles, often caused by increased progesterone slowing digestion, are usually felt higher in the abdomen, around the stomach or intestines. These sensations tend to feel like rolling, gurgling, or pressure, and can be accompanied by bloating or burping. Gas pain can be sharp or crampy, often dissipating with a change in position or passing gas.
Fetal movements, in contrast, are typically felt lower in the abdomen, near the uterus. They are described as throbbing, tapping, or light kicks, becoming more consistent and predictable as pregnancy progresses. Unlike gas, fetal movements can occur repeatedly in the same place or shift as the fetus changes position.
Braxton Hicks contractions, which are uterine muscle tightenings, typically involve a hardening of the abdomen and are not rhythmic like true labor contractions. They usually subside with rest or hydration, whereas fetal movements are distinct and originate from the baby’s activity.
Progression of Fetal Movements Through Pregnancy
Fetal movements evolve as pregnancy advances. The early, gentle flutters of quickening give way to more pronounced and stronger movements in the second and third trimesters. Around 24 to 28 weeks, movements become more frequent, including distinct kicks, rolls, and even hiccups. These movements gain strength as the baby develops muscles and coordination.
By the third trimester, fetal movements are generally more vigorous and can be felt as jabs, punches, and stretches. While the type of movement may change due to less space, the strength and frequency of movement should remain consistent. For instance, towards the end of pregnancy, sharp kicks might lessen, being replaced by more gentle, rolling movements as the baby has less room to maneuver.
Monitoring Fetal Movements
Monitoring fetal movements, often called “kick counts,” assesses fetal well-being, particularly in the third trimester. Tracking movements is usually recommended around 28 weeks of pregnancy.
The general guideline involves counting how long it takes to feel 10 movements, such as kicks, flutters, swishes, or rolls. Hiccups are generally not counted as they are involuntary movements.
A common approach is to choose a time when the baby is typically active, often after a meal or when resting. The goal is to feel 10 movements within a two-hour period. Keeping a record of these counts helps in understanding the baby’s normal activity patterns. While every baby has unique patterns, consistent monitoring helps identify any significant deviations.
When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider
Contact a healthcare provider if there are concerns about fetal movement patterns. A significant decrease in the baby’s usual movement, or an absence of movement, warrants immediate attention.
If 10 movements are not felt within two hours during a kick count session, contact a medical professional.
Any sudden, concerning changes from the baby’s established pattern should prompt a call to the healthcare provider. This includes a noticeable increase or decrease in movement from day to day.