Connect with Your Baby: A Guide to Monitoring Fetal Movements

Ever wondered what those first flutters and kicks during pregnancy really mean? Feel reassured and informed as we break down the enchanting experience of fetal movement on this episode of Parenting Powerhouse by Parenting Genie. I’m your host, Carey, and today we're diving deep into when you'll start feeling your baby move, how to effectively monitor their movements, and what different types of movements signify about your baby's health and development. Whether you're a first-time parent or adding a new member to your growing family, this episode is brimming with essential insights to help you feel more connected to your little one and confident in your pregnancy journey.

From the magical sensation of quickening to the importance of kick counting, we’ll cover it all. Learn why tracking your baby's movements is crucial and how to recognize and understand your baby's unique patterns. We'll also address common concerns and debunk myths surrounding fetal movement, giving you peace of mind and empowering you with knowledge. Join us as we explore the wonders of your baby's development in the womb, offering practical advice and expert tips to make your pregnancy experience as smooth and joyful as possible.

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Episode Transcript

Carey (00:00):
Hi everyone.
Today's podcast is titled FetalMovement what Every Expecting
Parent Needs to Know.
Welcome to Parenting Powerhouseby Parenting Genie, the podcast
where we dive into parenting tohelp you confidently navigate
your journey.
I'm your host, Carey, and todaywe're focusing on one of the
most exciting and reassuringaspects of pregnancy fetal

(00:24):
movement.
Feeling your baby move for thefirst time is a magical
experience, but it does raisesome questions.
How much movement is normal?
When should you start feelingyour baby move?
What does it mean if themovements change?
In this episode, we'll covereverything you need to know
about fetal movement so you canfeel more connected to your baby

(00:45):
and more confident about yourpregnancy.
What is fetal movement?
Fetal movement refers to thekicks, rolls and flutters you
feel as your baby moves aroundin the womb.
These movements indicate yourbaby is developing well and can
provide important clues aboutyour baby's health.
Most women begin to feel theirbaby move between 18 to 25 weeks

(01:11):
of pregnancy.
However, this can varydepending on several factors,
such as whether it's your firstpregnancy or if you have an
anterior placenta which cancushion the movements.
For first-time mothers, it'scommon to start noticing those
first gentle flutters, oftencalled quickening, around 20

(01:32):
weeks If you have been pregnantbefore, you might feel movement
a little earlier, as you're morefamiliar with the sensation.
At first, the movements mayfeel like tiny bubbles or
butterflies in your stomach.
As your baby grows, thesemovements will become stronger
and more distinct, eventuallyturning into kicks, rolls and

(01:56):
hiccups.
Why monitor movement of baby?
Keeping track of your baby'smovements is one of the best
ways to monitor their wellbeing.
Regular movement is a good signthat your baby is healthy and
active.
A decrease in movement cansometimes be a sign of distress

(02:16):
or a problem with the pregnancy.
So it's very important to payattention to your baby's
patterns and notice any changes.
How to monitor fetal movement?
There are different ways tomonitor your baby's movements.
One of the most common methodsis kick counting.
Here's how it works.

(02:37):
Choose a time of the day whenyour baby is usually active,
often after a meal.
Sit or lie down on acomfortable position and focus
on your baby's movements.
Count each movement you feel,whether it be a kick roll jab.
It would be best to count atleast 10 movements in 2 hours.

(03:00):
Most women will feel 10movements in much less time than
two hours, but if it takeslonger or you notice a
significant decrease in movement.
You must contact your healthcare provider.
If you notice a decrease inyour baby's movements or are
concerned about any changes.

(03:20):
Don't hesitate to call yourhealth care provider.
They may ask you to visit formonitoring or an ultrasound to
ensure everything is okay.
Remember it's always better tobe safe and check in with your
provider if you're worried.
Trust your instincts.
You know your baby's regularmovement pattern better than

(03:42):
anyone else.
Types of movements Throughoutyour pregnancy, you'll likely
feel a variety of movements,each with its significance Kicks
and jabs.
These are the most commonmovements you'll feel,
especially as your baby growsstronger.
Kicks and jabs indicate thatyour baby is active and has some

(04:04):
room to move.
Rolls and flips.
As your baby grows and has lessspace, you may feel more
rolling movements than sharpkicks.
This is perfectly normal andusually happens later in
pregnancy.
Hiccups Many babies experiencehiccups in the womb, which feel
like rhythmic, repetitivemovements.

(04:26):
Hiccups indicate that yourbaby's diaphragm has developed
as they practice breathing.
Every baby has a uniquemovement pattern.
Knowing your baby's rhythm isimportant.
Some babies are more active inthe morning, while others might
be more active in the evening.
It's also normal for your babyto have quiet periods,

(04:49):
especially as they settle intosleep cycles.
However, if your baby's overallactivity level has decreased,
it's essential to seek advicefrom your healthcare provider.
Some common concerns and mythsabout fetal movement.
It's natural to have concernsabout your baby's movements,

(05:11):
especially if you're afirst-time parent.
Some everyday worries includewhether your baby is moving
enough, if the movements feeltoo strong or weak, or if
there's a sudden change inactivity.
Remember, every pregnancy isunique and there's a wide range
of normal when it comes to fetalmovement.

(05:31):
However, contacting yourhealthcare provider is always a
good idea if something doesn'tfeel right.
Debunking some myths there arealso many myths surrounding
fetal movement.
For example, some peoplebelieve that a very active baby
means a hyperactive child lateron, or that decreased movement

(05:53):
late in pregnancy is expectedbecause the baby is running out
of room.
In reality, movement should notsignificantly decrease late in
pregnancy.
Your baby should remain activeuntil birth and any noticeable
reduction in movement should bediscussed with your health care
provider.

(06:14):
To wrap up today, fetal movementis one of pregnancy's most
reassuring and exciting parts.
It's a way for you to connectwith your baby and monitor their
health simultaneously.
Understanding what's normal foryour baby and paying attention
to their movements can helpensure a healthy pregnancy.

(06:35):
Remember you are the best judgeof your baby's activity.
If you ever have concerns,don't hesitate to contact your
healthcare provider for guidanceand support.
Thank you for tuning in to thisepisode of Parenting Powerhouse
by Parenting Genie.
If you found today's discussionhelpful, please subscribe to

(06:55):
our podcast and leave us areview.
Your feedback helps us continueto provide valuable content for
parents and parents-to-be.
For more resources andinformation, visit
wwwparentinggeniecomau.
Join me next time as we exploreanother essential topic in your

(07:16):
parenting journey.
Until then, take care ofyourself and your little one.
Happy parenting.