The feeling of baby kicks in the womb is indescribable. But did you know that it’s more than just a lovely early bonding experience for a mother and her baby?

Table of Contents

What are baby kicks?
When do I expect to feel the first baby kicks?
Where should I feel my baby’s kicks?
Why is it important to count baby kicks?
How do I count baby kicks?
How do I get my baby to move?
What should I do when baby kicks are decreasing?

You can skip ahead to any section you find the most interesting!

It’s the fluttering sensation in your stomach, the gentle tapping on your belly, or the tickling sensation that’s barely there. One of the most amazing aspects of your early pregnancy experience is feeling your baby’s kicks. Fetal movement is definitely a way to calm any mother’s nerves because it indicates that her baby is safe, healthy and growing!

A decrease in movement, on the other hand, could indicate that something is wrong. Ob-Gyn Ruth Fretts, M.D., stated in an article for Parents.com that less movements in the tummy aren’t necessarily a cause for mothers to be alarmed. “The most concerning part is when it occurs repeatedly,” she said.

What Are Baby Kicks In The Womb?

They may be called “kicks” but kicking isn’t the only movement your little one is doing inside your womb. They roll, punch, jab, bend, stretch, nudge and sometimes, even hiccup.  On the outside, it may seem that they’re having a good time in your womb, but it’s really an essential part of their development.

Fetal movement, according to studies, indicates that your baby is developing and becoming stronger. Furthermore, those little kicks are helpful in the development of healthy bones, muscles, and joints.

When Do I Expect To Feel The First Baby Kicks?

Fetal movement usually begins between week 16 and 25 of your pregnancy. It normally feels closer to 25 weeks for first-time Mamas and I f you’re pregnant for the second time, you can feel the baby kicks as early as 13 weeks. Registered midwife Nicola Strydom stated in Today’s Parent that Mamas are able to distinguish gas from baby kicks earlier since, they have become more bodily conscious.

Your placenta’s position is also a factor. If the placenta is anterior (on the front side of the womb), you may not feel fetal movement until much later. The same goes if you’re overweight.

Around week 32 of your pregnancy, the kicks and jabs may significantly become more subdued because the space has become more limited. In turn, you’ll most likely feel them rolling around in your tummy.

Where Should I Feel My Baby’s Kicks?

The location of your baby’s kicks is determined by a few factors. They only feel like a flutter just below the belly button early in your pregnancy, which is why first-time moms sometimes confuse them for gas.

You’ll be able to feel them all over your belly, including the upper portion of your abdomen, as your pregnancy progresses. You will also see movement under your skin later in your pregnancy!

Why Is It Important to Count Baby Kicks?

There were 105,000 stillbirths in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam alone, according to Project Sidekicks which is an initiative by TheAsianParent to reduce the stillbirth rate in Southeast Asia. The situation in the United States is just as bad. Based on Count The Kicks, there are nearly 24,000 stillbirths every year.

And this is one of the reasons why counting your baby’s kicks is especially crucial. Counting baby kicks has been shown in some studies that it could help to avoid stillbirth. What do we mean by that? As a Mama, when you know and understand your baby’s movement, you’ll be able to recognize when something’s is wrong. As a result, you’ll be able to immediately notify your obstetrician or healthcare provider and receive any medical treatment, if needed.

How Do I Count Baby Kicks?

In general, you should start counting baby kicks at the beginning of your 28th week of pregnancy. American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists stated that you’ll want to feel at least 10 kicks within 2 hours.

It’s best to do this at the same time every day–the morning and evening are the best times, as these are the times when babies are normally most active. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways:

• Grab a notebook to keep track of your baby’s kicks. Every day, write down how long it took you to count 10 kicks. You can keep it on your bedside table if you prefer to count baby kicks when you wake up, take a nap, or before you go to sleep.
• Download an app on your phone that helps track baby kicks. TheAsianParent’s app comes with this feature.
• Download a baby kick chart and paste it on your fridge. You can choose from a variety of charts that can be downloaded. Placing it in a visible area makes this task easy to remember. Plus, if your husband or children notice that your daily chart is unfilled, they will be able to alert you.
• Wear a kick counter wristband or bracelet. Consider a kick counter wristband that comes with a slider you need to move every time you feel a kick.

How Do I Get My Baby To Move?

By the third trimester, babies move about 30 times in an hour. However, if your baby is shy, there are a few tricks you can use to get him or her to kick! Take a look at the following:

• Eat a snack. A few pieces of chocolate will send a boost of energy, getting them to move.
• Drink a cold beverage. Whether it’s juice or milk, the combination of a spike in your blood sugar and the cold temperature would most likely cause your baby to move.
• Change your position. Some babies will follow their Mama’s movement. When you move, your baby moves too. Change it up to see if your child follows suit.
• Shine a flashlight on your tummy. Babies will move to get away from the light.
• Rest and lay down on your side. Sometimes babies’ movements can only be detected when you’re quiet. See if this works!
• Talk to your baby. During the second trimester, babies begin to develop their hearing. Talk to your baby and see they respond!
• Gently poke your belly. More often than not, this trick works to get them to respond!
• Place an ice pack on your belly. Similar to flashing light against your belly, they will move away from the chilly part of your belly. Don’t worry, this doesn’t hurt them.

What Should I Do When Baby Kicks In The Womb Are Decreasing?

If you’ve detected a consistent and visible change in your baby’s usual kicks in the womb, it’s probably best for you to alert your obstetrician so that you and your baby can be properly evaluated. Remember, Mama, there’s nothing wrong with being cautious.

Mama’s Choice is proud to support Project Sidekicks. This initiative helps families have healthy pregnancies and babies by promoting three crucial things: sleeping on the side when pregnant, counting your baby’s kicks and quitting smoking. 

Mama's Choice Team

The Mama's Choice MY team is consisted of 4 beautiful mamas who are strong and dedicated in being the support system that many mamas need these days. <3