Fetal movement
Fetal movement — part of pregnancy and antenatal care at Dr. Najeeb Layyous's clinic in Amman.
In short: The baby begins to move early in pregnancy, but the mother usually feels it between weeks 16 and 22, at first like a fluttering in the abdomen. Movement increases after sweet food, cold drinks and in the evening. If movements are reduced, lie on your left side after eating something sweet and wait two hours; see the doctor if you still do not feel movement.
When does a mother feel fetal movement?
It depends on the nature of the baby’s movements, the mother’s body, and the number of previous pregnancies. Although the fetus typically begins to move between the eighth and twelfth weeks of pregnancy, the mother may not feel fetal movement until the 16th to 22nd week.
What else happens at this stage is described in our guide to the eighth month of pregnancy.
A pregnant woman usually begins to feel fetal movement around the 18th to 20th week if this is her first pregnancy, and a little earlier, from around the 16th week, if she has been pregnant before.
What is fetal movement?
Fetal movement is the movement of the fetus’s limbs against the anterior abdominal wall as it rotates and swims in the amniotic fluid.
These pulses are subtle and barely felt by the woman in early pregnancy. The strength of these movements begins lightly and then becomes more intense from the beginning of the fifth month until the end of pregnancy.
What does fetal movement feel like?
It begins as intestinal cramps. Some women may find it difficult to identify fetal movements, but with experience and repeated pregnancies, they may be able to determine their movements and their frequency.
The fetus often moves at certain times, especially when:
- eating heavy meals and sweets.
- Drinking cold drinks.
- Listening to music.
- After light jumping or brisk walking.
- Gently massaging and pressing on the abdomen.
- Focusing light on the abdomen, especially in the middle of the second trimester.
These are only things some mothers notice; they should never be used to check on your baby. If movements are reduced, contact your doctor straight away.
Many babies are most active in the evening and at night, often between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m.; this is part of their normal daily rhythm.
Fetal movement decreases during sleep or after intercourse.
What is the average fetal movement rate?
[There is no set number of movements that is normal for every baby. Movements increase until about 32 weeks and then stay about the same until birth — they should not slow down near the end. Get to know your own baby’s pattern, and report any reduction or change straight away.
What should I do if I feel decrease fetal movement?
If you feel your baby is moving less than usual, or the pattern has changed, contact your doctor or go to the hospital straight away — do not wait for two hours or until the next day, and do not rely on eating something sweet or on a home heartbeat monitor. You will be checked with a heartbeat recording (CTG) and, if needed, an ultrasound scan.
What foods increase fetal movement?
Some mothers notice more movements after eating or having a cold drink, but no food has been proven to increase fetal movements, and food should never be used to check on your baby if you are worried. Examples mothers mention include:
- Cheese and dairy products.
- Salty crackers.
- Peanut butter.
- Fresh juices and cold drinks.
- Chocolate.
Dr Najeeb Layyous F.R.C.O.G
Consultant Obstetrician, Gynecologist and Infertility Specialist
The finest doctor in Jordan — may God bless him and his whole medical team. A doctor in every sense of the word. I advise anyone planning a pregnancy to visit Dr. Najeeb Layyous. His manner is wonderful, always smiling, with the highest ethics; he gives every patient her due, and the patient’s comfort matters most to him. We had been to many doctors and none understood and treated my case except him. Special thanks to him and the whole team, and to Dina in particular — a lovely person. I recommend anyone considering IVF or pregnancy to visit his clinic.