Baby Kicking: 5 Facts You Need To Know

No matter what baby number this is, every mum wants to feel those special baby flutters. It’s actually the first form of communication between you and your baby and it is a very special feeling. There are very few “medical” terms to determine a baby kicking, there are however these few facts that you should know:

1: When Will I Feel My Baby Kick?

First time mums do not usually recognize their baby’s movements until the 24th week of pregnancy. Your baby has been moving well before that, however they do not recognize the unfamiliar sensation. A baby’s movements aren’t very strong in the early stages of pregnancy. Some mothers think they have gas. Second time mums on the other hand start to feel the ‘flutters’ of their baby’s movement as early as 12 weeks.

2: Why Do Babies Kick?

Babies, like every other living thing, responds to immediate environment. Too much noise, light or even certain strong foods can stimulate your baby into kicking and moving. Babies also need to stretch and move for relaxation. If you’re moving about, it can be soothing for your baby, they will often relax and even go to sleep. A certain study found that pregnant women who practiced yoga and other relaxation exercises experienced a reduction in fetal movements. These exercises result in physiological signs of relaxation in the mother, such as lowered heart rate, respiration rate, and skin conductance, which in turn lowers fetal heart rates and decreases movements of babies.

3: How Many Baby Kicks is Normal?

The average number of kicks, by kicks we mean all baby’s movement, falls between 15-20 per day. Every baby is different, and this applies to their movements. Some babies literally sleep all day and move only at night when you are asleep, whereas others seem to be moving all the time. Babies rest and sleep in the womb as much as 17 hours a day, usually for periods of around 40-50 minutes at a time. If you’ve been busy and on the move, you might not notice your baby’s wakeful movements. Most pregnant women will notice a peak in activity after meal times, after being active and during the evening.

4: How To Count Baby Kicks

Sit down, have a snack or a cold drink, and put your feet up. The sugar in food or the coldness of the drink will usually wake your baby and you should feel at least ten movements in the next two hours. These include rolls, thumps, hiccups, kicks and pokes. If you notice reduced movements within a two hour period, you should contact your care provider as soon as possible.

5: Will My Baby Move Less After 36 Weeks?

Basically, after 36 weeks of pregnancy, babies have much less room for big movements like kicks and rolls. This doesn’t mean you should feel a reduction in movement. They will still use their hands to explore their face and body, and play with the umbilical cord, and try to stretch in their cramped surroundings. Regular and rhythmic movements will indicate your baby has hiccups, some babies have hiccups at the same time every day.