It’s a beautiful feeling when you can start feeling your baby’s movements in the womb. These movements also act as indicators of how healthy your baby is. However, some women freak out if their baby is lazy and doesn’t move for some time. There is really no need for panic, for there are guidelines developed by experts who cut through these myths and tell you the truth.
What Is The Right Time To Feel The “Butterflies”?
While all pregnancies are different usually you will start feeling the butterflies by maximum 20th week especially if this is your first pregnancy. Daily movements start only from the 24th week. Your feeling of the butterflies would however depend on the position of the placenta and your weight.
Will Drinking Something Hot Or Cold Increase The Baby’s Movements?
There is a myth that drinking a glass of lemonade would get the fetus up and moving. Staying hydrated is a good idea, but it surely won’t wake up the baby.
In fact, as per the Australian and New Zealand Stillbirth Alliance1, there is no evidence to proof that fetal movements are altered by intravenous glucose administration or even by a recent meal. Inspite of this, if you have been not paying attention to your belly for an entire day, it’s time to stop and pay attention. You should feel at least 10 movements every two hours.
Will Healthcare Providers Be Supportive Or Be Annoyed?
If the baby are doing lesser movements, doctors are always happy to set your mind to rest. More often than not, they know that encouraging pregnant women to come in sooner as soon as there is something off actually gives them sufficient time to intervene and save life, if needed.
It’s not a good idea to wait. It states that, “All women should be advised to contact their health care provider if they have any concern about decreased or absent fetal movements and be advised not to wait until the next day.”
The doctors are supportive of mother’s intuition, because they know that if the fetus is under any kind of distress, the first person to understand that something is wrong is the mother. Besides its always the mother who knows the what the typical movements of the baby is, so never feel that you are overreacting. Have yourself checked out as soon as you know that something is wrong.
Do Babies Sleep In The Womb?
The guidelines state that babies do sleep and usually would be quiet for 20 to 40 minutes.
Does The Baby Move Less During The End Of Pregnancy?
The frequency of movement changes slightly as the little one grows in the womb. The pattern should however, not change. No proof is available that babies move less during the end of the pregnancy or even during the prepping for labor.
It’s Okay To Be Anxious
When pregnant, your body is undergoing humongous changes. It’s absolutely okay to get anxious and be tensed also. However, things might get a little challenging especially if you have lost a baby before. Therefore, it becomes all the more important to choose the doctor carefully.
Select a care provider who not only knows your medical history, but also understands what you are going through and can see you as often that you require.
Being able to give birth comes with a lot of responsibilities and no one is aware of all the reasons behind stillborn babies. However, some of these deaths are preventable and less movement remains one of the most important signals. Therefore, let your mommy instinct take care of your baby.
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