Making moves

You’ll probably never forget the first time you feel your baby move – although, if you’re a first-time mom, you might even wonder if you imagined it.

That’s because those first movements tend to be incredibly subtle. “Like flutters or bubbles,” says Dr Dalene Barnard, a gynaecologist and obstetrician at Mediclinic Kloof.

You'll probably feel your baby’s movements for the first time between 18 and 25 weeks of pregnancy, but if it’s your first baby, you might feel them a bit later, she explains.

“These movements will become more pronounced and noticeable as the fetus grows, and you can expect changes in both the frequency and intensity.” By the second trimester, you’re likely to notice clear kicks and rolling motions. In the third trimester, the movements will feel even stronger, like kicks, rolls, and stretches. This is because your baby has less room to move around.

In fact, as that space becomes even tighter, you’ll probably notice that it seems as though your baby is moving less frequently. Although this might seem worrying, it’s not necessarily something to be concerned about, assures Dr Barnard. “Your body has an amazing ‘internal monitor’ that is aware of your baby’s movement, even when you’re busy and distracted – trust that monitor,” she says.

“Remember that movement patterns can vary significantly from one pregnancy to another. Generally, a range of movements is considered normal – you can expect to have periods of increased activity followed by quieter times.”

If you notice that these quiet times happen a lot, you might want to start counting your baby’s movements. However, there's no need to do this unless your doctor has told you to.

Still, if you experience a significant drop in your baby's movements, especially after 28 weeks, or if the movements suddenly stop or change drastically, it’s a good idea to contact your healthcare professional.

In this situation, you might also want to count your baby’s movements. Start by having something to eat or drink, then lie down on your side. Count every movement, from little rolls to strong kicks. Dr Barnard says you should be able to count seven movements within an hour. If you can't, it's a good idea to visit your labour ward to have your baby's heart rate checked.

“Awareness of your baby’s movements is important for their wellbeing. Always trust your instincts and don’t hesitate to contact your doctor if you’re worried,” she advises.