Currently at 24 weeks of pregnancy...I am feeling more of the baby's movements every now and then. Chanced upon this article that can help me keep track of baby's movements as I progress to the next few stages.
When will I feel my baby's first movements?
Feeling those first, tiny sensations inside are a key landmark of your pregnancy. And when those movements become vigorous kicks, you know everything is going well.
If this is your first pregnancy, you may not even notice your baby moving around immediately because you won't be familiar with the sensation -- which many women describe as a gentle fluttering motion.
For a first pregnancy you will probably be aware of something at around 18 to 20 weeks. For subsequent pregnancies, when you know the tell-tale signs, first movements can usually be felt earlier, usually around 15 to 18 weeks or even as early as 12 weeks.
After the initial vague stirrings, which some women describe as similar to the flapping of butterfly wings, your baby's movements become stronger and more regular. As your baby grows, these sensations change so that you start to feel thumping or kicking movements which become stronger as your pregnancy progresses.
Your baby won't be kicking and moving constantly because, like you, there will be times he just wants rest and sleep although not for more than about 40 minutes at a time. It might feel like longer because you won't feel every movement. The following is a guide as to what you might expect as your baby grows.
From 20 to 24 weeks
As the weeks go by, your baby's activity will gradually increase. From now onwards, over the next ten weeks, your baby will be having a very busy period, with lots of kicking and somersaults.
From 24 to 28 weeks
Your baby may start to get hiccups, which will explain the jerking movement that you might feel occasionally. The amniotic sac now contains up to 750ml (26floz) of fluid which allows your baby to move around freely. Although he has been able to hear for some time, you may notice him jump at sudden noises from around this period.
At 29 weeks
Your baby will begin to make smaller, more definite movements, as it becomes more cramped inside your uterus.
At 32 weeks
Your baby's movements will reach a peak of activity and from now on, you will notice an increase in the frequency and type of movements as your baby gets bigger and stronger.
From around 36 weeks
Your baby could take up his final, usually head-down, position, particularly if this is your first pregnancy, as the firm muscles of your uterus and abdomen will help to keep him in place. The main movements you are likely to feel now are jabs from his arms and legs, and possibly painful kicks to your ribs.
If this is not your first pregnancy, your abdominal muscles are likely to be weaker, so your baby might keep changing his position and could even do so right up to your due date.
From 36 to 40 weeks
Your baby will be getting larger and roll-over movements will become less frequent. If he was sucking his thumb and 'loses' it, you may feel quick, darting movements as your baby's head turns from side-to-side while he tries to find it again.
During the last two weeks of your pregnancy, the movements are likely to slow down and your baby's growth rate will decline slightly. This is all completely normal and nothing to worry about.
Movements and position in late pregnancy
In the last few weeks, your baby should be nestled in the cup of your pelvis, ready for the birth. (If he's not, we have more advice on how to get your baby into the optimum position for birth). Your baby's head can feel like a melon pressing down on your pelvic floor, making you sit down with care.
You may notice that as your baby's head drops lower into your pelvis there is a feeling of 'lightening', or less pressure, under your ribcage.
By this stage of your pregnancy, you may feel fewer big body movements, and, instead, you may notice an insistent kicking underneath your ribs on one side or the other, depending on how your baby is positioned. If your abdominal wall is thin you may even be able to hold your baby's foot.
There will be times when your baby is sleeping and other times when you'll notice lots of activity, which is often in the evenings or when you're lying in bed trying to get to sleep!
How many kicks should I feel each day?
While you are busy you will probably be less aware of the movements your baby is making. It's more likely you'll start to notice them when you sit down and relax.
Studies of fetal activity show that every baby has his or her own individual pattern of waking and sleeping inside the uterus -- there is no 'set' amount of kicks to expect -- but by late pregnancy you will probably have become tuned into your baby's pattern of movements.
I haven't felt my baby kick today, should I be worried?
If you are concentrating on something else, you may not have noticed your baby's movements. If you want some reassurance, here are some ways to encourage your baby to move:
• Lie down on your side (with support under your bump) and stay still
• Put your feet up and relax
• Play music to your stomach.
Not so long ago, women were advised to monitor their baby's movement with a fetal kick chart, where you kept a record of the times of the movements until you had noted ten kicks, hopefully by roughly the same time each day. But these charts are used less and less now as they were easy to forget about and the kick patterns didn't always match up, which caused unnecessary concern among women.
Experts advise for you to get used to your baby's pattern during waking hours and if you feel there is a change in that pattern, inform your obstetrician straight away. If you are concerned your doctor can check you out and reassure you.
From: www.Babycentre.com
Heard her beating heartbeat going at 150bpm.
