Updated with Ask Heidi video.
There may be no better proof that a brand new life is developing within you.
But fetal movement during pregnancy can also drive a mom-to-be batty with questions.
Is my baby kicking enough?
Does my baby have four legs (because it sure feels that way when the kicking starts)?
When do you start feeling your baby move?
Havent felt any fetal movement by the middle of month 5?
Your practitionermay order an ultrasound to take a lookat how your baby is doing.
It could just be that your due date is off, which can happen.
But it’s best to get it checked out just to be sure.
What do baby kicks feel like?
They could feel like a twitch, a nudge or even hunger pangs.
Keep in mind that babies are unique, and the rhythms and patterns of their activity will vary.
How often should my baby move in utero?
There’s no set number of movements you should feel each day, as every baby is different.
Are there times baby will kick and move more often?
Try not to jump to conclusions if your baby seems unusually active in the womb.
Baby kicks even those that are frequent and strong are considered a normal and healthy part of fetal development.
You also might not realize how strong or often the average baby kicks.
despite how big your baby has been getting and how much she’s growing.
Sit down or lie on your side.
Your baby will likely change positions too and find something else to do.
Next time you see something protruding (a knee, perhaps, or a foot?
), give it a gentle press.
You may feel, quite strongly, every turn of your baby’s head.
Fortunately, those little feet typically no longer dig into your ribs.
Don’t be surprised if yours keeps up an energetic pace until it’s time for your face-to-face introduction.
Other babies become more active after sex.
At this stage and with your baby still quite tiny, it’s normal not to feel regular movement.
In the third trimester
Your baby now has a fairly regular cycle of sleep and wakefulness.
But throughout thethird trimesterand especially in month 9, it’s crucial to note changes in activity.
They might bring you in for some monitoring just to ensure everything is okay.
So sit back, relax and enjoy.
And dont forget to do those kick counts starting in the third trimester until your cute baby is born!
