Feeling baby move is often an event eagerly awaited by future parents and especially by future mothers. This is an opportunity to bond and communicate with your baby, but it is also a good indicator of their health. When are you going to feel it move for the first time? We tell you everything.
You are pregnant and your body is about to go through many changes. If at the start of your pregnancy your baby bump is barely noticeable, your belly will quickly round up … to the point where you can no longer see your toes! From several weeks pregnant, you may even feel your baby moving in your tummy. A feeling often very appreciated by the future mother! Nothing is more beautiful indeed, than to feel the life in us: little kicks, punches, baby somersaults. Even if at first, this feeling can be weird (because unknown), you will quickly get used to it and love your cherub's every move. After all, it's kind of like a means of communication between you and him. This not only creates a bond, but also alerts you to the health of the fetus. From what week of pregnancy will you feel it move for the first time and how do you recognize its movements? We take stock!
See also: 9 months pregnant in 90 seconds
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When do you feel your baby move?
When a woman is expecting a baby, she often can't wait to feel it move in her womb. However, it is necessary to be patient. Indeed, even if some women claim to feel the movements of the fetus from three and a half months of pregnancy, they are generally noticeable from the 16th and 20th week of pregnancy, i.e. during the 4th or 5th month of pregnancy (second trimester). For a first baby, the expectant mother will rarely feel the movements before the fifth month of pregnancy. For a second pregnancy, the pregnant woman can perceive them earlier, around the 16th and 18th week of pregnancy. It must be said that the mother has already experienced these sensations and can therefore recognize the baby's little strokes more easily. Also, the feeling is greater because the uterus is more distended during a second baby.
Note that just because you can't feel your baby's movements yet, doesn't mean that he isn't moving! Indeed, the fetus moves from the 7th week of pregnancy. You can especially see it on the week 12 ultrasound. The first sensations are often described as vibrations. If the baby is moving their whole body, many women report feeling like the baby is rolling over. Some movements are even visible! It is not uncommon to see a pregnant woman's belly twist after a little kick or punch. This is, however, very fast. Babies are usually most agitated at bedtime or at the end of the day, sometimes preventing their mom from falling asleep!
From the sixth month of pregnancy, the movements of the fetus in the womb increase and become regular and stronger. Their frequency usually increases until the 32nd week of pregnancy, and then stabilizes until childbirth. However, the feelings experienced by the expectant mother may be different as the birth approaches, because the child has less space. He turns and tries to stretch his spine. This can be uncomfortable for the pregnant woman.
Will your partner be able to feel it moving?
The dad or second mom is also very eager to feel the baby move. Fortunately for them, even if they are not wearing it, they will be able to feel certain movements, such as putting their hand on the mother-to-be's stomach or placing their ear. This can be done between 15 days and a month after the baby's first movements. It’s a magical time for parents!
What if baby doesn't move?
The movements of the fetus in the womb testify to its vitality. They are indeed a good indicator for the health of the child. It alternates between sleeping and waking phases where it is active and moving. Sometimes you may not feel your baby move for several hours, especially if you are active. If this worries you, there are different techniques you can use to stimulate it, such as:
- Lie on your side, in the "left lateral decubitus" position, to allow the placenta to have optimal blood supply. The baby will have more space and will be able to move more easily. The movements of the fetus are also better perceived when sitting or lying down.
- Take a bath. Thanks to the dilating vessels (also called vasodilation), you will be more relaxed. The child will feel this moment of calm and will take the opportunity to do some somersaults and movements.
- Gently press on the tummy to stimulate the baby.
- Take a sugar. The fetus reacts quickly to the sweet taste and should therefore move.
If stimulation does not work and you do not feel your baby moving, see your doctor, obstetrician or midwife promptly. In particular, an examination with a monitor can ensure fetal health and good development of the baby.
Baby turns around
In a first pregnancy, it is around the 7th month that the baby turns to adopt her position for delivery. In a second or third pregnancy, it can happen later. The fetus turns over because, over the months, it has less room in its mother's womb. He therefore seeks the most comfortable position and generally places his buttocks in the widest part of the uterus, the upper part of the abdomen. He is said to be in the delivery position because his head comes first, which facilitates delivery.
Be careful, your baby may very well not turn around and therefore come to the breech for delivery. The position of the fetus can be checked with an ultrasound, a palpation of the belly or a vaginal examination before the end of the term. If breech presents, vaginal delivery can be understood. You may be offered a maneuver to turn the child, called an external maneuver version (VME), but it is not always effective. If the baby hasn't turned around before the day you give birth, that doesn't mean you won't be able to deliver vaginally. It depends on the dimensions of the mother's pelvis, the size of the baby, and the flexion of his head. In some cases, a caesarean may be considered.