Pregnancy is filled with many milestone moments, but none quite as magical as those first tiny flutters within an expectant mother’s belly. This is a moment that many High Desert women dream about when they first find out they are pregnant, and soon enough they will be feeling so many movements inside of them they will wonder if their baby will ever stay still. Most women will find that they will begin to feel fetal movements between 18 and 25 weeks of pregnancy. At Reza Ahmadinia OBGYN, we recommend that women keep track of fetal movements and count the kicks in order to maintain a healthy pregnancy.
Why Should I Count the Kicks?
Counting the baby movements inside of you will help you understand your own pregnancy, and can help you be more prepared to recognize a problem. While your baby will move at all different times of the day, having a general understanding of its movements will help you notice any significant changes that might require medical attention. Counting the kicks is especially important for high risk pregnancies, but it is recommended that all pregnant women keep track of fetal movements beginning at 28 weeks. This practice has been found to help prevent the risk of stillbirth.
When Am I Most Likely to Feel the Baby Move?
Once you begin to feel fetal movement, you will find that certain things trigger this sensation. Some women find that drinking an ice cold glass of water will surely get their baby kicking. Others note that a good, sugar-filled bowl of ice cream is the best way to feel those movements. Most women will find that their baby is quite active late at night, between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m. During this time, blood sugar levels are dropping, which is why the baby becomes more active. Pay attention to what makes your baby move and what time of day it moves the most. This will be the ideal time to keep track of the kicks.
How Do You Count the Kicks?
In order to count your baby’s kicks, choose a time in which you can relax and focus. The evening is an ideal time, as your baby will be active and you can take time to rest. Time how long it takes for you to feel 10 distinct movements. You should be able to feel 10 movements in about two hours, but it will likely take less time than that. If you do not feel enough movements, you may want to contact your health care provider for more information.
Hesperia women who are concerned about the lack of fetal movement during their pregnancy should contact us at Reza Ahmadinia OBGYN as soon as possible. A significant decrease in fetal movement could signal a complication and the pregnancy should be monitored. Otherwise, normal fetal movement patterns can be discussed with Dr. Ahmadinia during routine prenatal appointments.
