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When does the fetus start moving and twitching? Mothers who are pregnant for the first time, let’s understand the age at which the fetus starts to move and twitch.
One of the most exciting moments during pregnancy is feeling the first small vibrations from the fetus kicking. How old is the fetus when it starts moving?
These small movements reassure that your baby is developing and help you feel closer to the little life in your belly. Mothers also wonder about the age at which the fetus begins to twitch because they want to feel for themselves the sensations described by other mothers.
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The first, second and subsequent pregnancies, the moment you can feel the fetus moving for the first time in the womb is always eagerly awaited. However, the gestational age will vary for each woman, especially between the first and subsequent pregnancies.
Let’s discuss the age at which the fetus begins to move and twitch, which pregnant women have been waiting for.
Fetal age moves and wrinkles
Quoting from WebMD, mothers will feel the baby’s first movements between the 16th and 25th weeks of pregnancy. If this is your first pregnancy, you may not feel the baby moving until close to the 25th week.
In the second pregnancy, some women begin to feel movement as early as the 13th week. Mothers will be more likely to feel the baby’s movements when they are in a calm position, whether sitting or lying down.
What does baby movement feel like?
Pregnant women describe their baby’s movements as butterflies, nervous movements, or rolling over. At first, it may be difficult to tell whether the fetus is moving or twitching.
Mothers who have given birth for the second and third time are more adept at distinguishing the first baby’s movements. In the second and third trimester, the movements will be clearer and the mother can feel the baby’s kicks, punches and elbows.
Frequency of movement and twitching of the fetus in the womb
In early pregnancy, you may only feel a little twitching, even occasionally. However, as the baby grows, usually at the end of the second trimester, his movements will become stronger and more frequent.
Research shows that in the third trimester, babies move about 30 times every hour. Babies tend to move more at certain times of the day because they alternate between being awake and asleep.
The fetus is usually most active between 21.00 and 01.00 at night, right when the mother sleeps. This spike in activity is caused by changes in your blood sugar levels.
Babies can also respond to sound or touch. She will even kick her husband in the back if she snuggles too close to him.
Fetal Illustration/ Photo: Getty Images/iStockphoto/
Do fetal movements need to be monitored according to gestational age?
Once your baby’s movements are well established (usually at 28 weeks), some doctors recommend recording all the small strokes, movements and kicks to ensure the fetus is still developing as it should. This is known as assessing fetal movement, counting kicks and fetal movements.
Obstetricians advise mothers to count fetal movements. If you feel your baby is moving or kicking less frequently than usual, contact a doctor immediately.
How to count fetal movements in the womb
Counting is much more difficult if you have twins. Mothers may not be able to tell which baby is moving. Even so, many doctors recommend it as a way to monitor it.
If you are counting, it would be a good idea if you map your baby’s kicks so you can track the fetus’ normal movement patterns. To count movements, choose a time when your baby is usually most active (often right after you eat).
Take a comfortable position, sitting on a chair or lying on your side. If you are lying down, lie on your left side so that your baby’s circulation is better.
Opinions vary regarding how to count fetal movements. However, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends recording the time it takes the baby to do 10 movements. Mother will feel at least 10 movements within 2 hours.
If you can’t feel 10 movements in 2 hours even though you have eaten something and are fully focused on the baby’s movements, contact a doctor.
When you don’t feel the baby moving
If you are not yet 25 weeks old and do not feel the baby moving or are not sure that what you are feeling is actually the fetus, don’t panic. As your baby grows, you will be able to distinguish his movements better.
Mothers will also know what time the baby is most active. Some fetuses naturally move less than others.
Lack of movement may also mean your baby is asleep. You may feel fewer kicks and punches after the 32nd week as your baby gets bigger and has less room to move in the womb.
If your baby has started moving regularly and you don’t feel at least 10 movements within 2 hours or his movements slow down significantly, it’s time to call a doctor.
The fetus’ age timeline begins to move and twitch
12th week: The fetus should start to move but you may not be able to feel anything because the baby is still very small.
Week 16: Some pregnant women will start to feel small butterfly-like flutters that are considered twitching. The feeling may just be gas or the baby is starting to move.
Week 20: At this point in your baby’s development, you may start to really feel your baby’s first movements.
Week 24: Baby’s movements start to become more stable. Mothers also start to feel a slight twitch when the fetus hiccups.
Week 28: Your baby is moving more and more often. A few kicks and punches can amaze you.
36th week: Your uterus becomes denser as the baby grows and its movements will slow down slightly. But tell your doctor if you notice significant changes in your baby’s usual activities. Mothers should feel consistent movement throughout the day.
After understanding when the fetus starts to move and when the fetus starts to twitch, let’s monitor it from now on. Don’t be late in getting treatment because you don’t understand fetal movements.
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