Not Feeling Baby Move Much?

Not feeling baby move much in the womb can trigger some feelings of anxiety and confusion about whether baby is progressing at a normal, healthy pace. However, there may be reasons why you may not be feeling baby move much, and the good news is that you can test yourself. The following discusses some of these issues.

When will I feel my baby move?

Most women start to feel their baby in the womb at around the 18th to 20th week of their pregnancy.

What could prevent feeling baby from moving?

Every pregnancy isn't the same, and how a baby progresses can be different from one to the next. With that said, there are several other factors that could affect how soon you feel your baby in the womb. One factor could be weight. Another could be where your placenta is located; if you have an anterior placenta, it may act as a barrier to feeling baby move in the womb. Also, if this is your second pregnancy, you know the feelings that you've had before and will be able to recall them. If it's your first pregnancy, you don't have the benefit of experience.

What pregnancy websites are saying?

According to Paula Kashtan, an expert at thebump.com, "as long as baby's overall level of movement is consistent, there's no need to worry." There may be days where you don't feel baby's movements. By and large, though, if you're in the second or early third trimester, the benchmark is feeling 10 movements every two hours. The key is not to "expect the same pattern every time you count." You're looking for wide deviations over a couple of days.

The experts at babycenter.com take a more cut and dry approach. They advise to rest quietly around the same time each day, and time how long it takes for you to feel ten distinct movements (any movement counts). If you don't feel ten movements in two hours, they advise to stop counting and call your doctor.

What an OB/GYN is saying?

A practicing OB/GYN was consulted on this issue, and her view was more in line with Kashtan's view from the standpoint of consistency. The OB/GYN proffered that first of all, every pregnancy is different and you cannot compare your pregnancy to that of your friend's pregnancy or what else you may be reading on the internet. You should feel your baby move at least once per day. For instance, if you went through the day and you didn't recall feeling baby move in the womb because of your busy schedule, stop, place yourself in a relaxed position, and concentrate on feeling for a movement. If you feel a movement, your baby is moving in the womb. Repeat tomorrow. If you are not feeling anything, contact your doctor for further advice.

The author is not a medical professional; the contents written herein are for informational purposes only.

For additional articles by Chris, check out the following links:

New Dad Fears

How Husbands Can Talk to Their Baby in the Womb

How to Help Your Pregnant Wife

Sources:

http://www.askbaby.com/when-will-i-feel-my-baby-move.htm

http://www.babycentre.co.uk/pregnancy/antenatalhealth/physicalhealth/babymove22wksexpert/

http://www.babycenter.com/0_fetal-movement-feeling-your-baby-kick_2872.bc

http://pregnant.thebump.com/pregnancy/second-trimester/qa/how-often-should-baby-kick.aspx