Fetal movements: when to start and when to worry
Fetal movements, when do they start to feel and when to worry? We asked Laura Avagliano, freelance gynecologist in the city and contract professor at the university of the city.
The gynecologist replies
Fetal movements begin early in pregnancy. Already from the first weeks, however, maternal perception begins later when the child is a little older. On average about between the 16th and the 24th week. At first the perception is a bit blurred, there is a sensation of bubbles, flickering inside the belly. Later, when the child is older, the perception of the movements will be distinctly perceived and there will be no doubts about his movements. Often, even looking at the belly you will notice a sketch on the belly at the point where you felt a kick or a fist. Or you will notice the belly becoming completely asymmetrical when the baby changes position.
There is no predetermined number of movements that a child must perform every day: each child has its own characteristics. It is therefore important that every mother learns about her baby's habits.
You can also try to notice associations, such as the perception of the baby's movements after it has eaten, or when the mother is relaxed on the sofa.
Read also: The movements of the baby in the bellyWhen to worry
The movements are a well-being index and for this reason it is important that the mother learns to know the habits of the child and the characteristics of her child in order to possibly perceive if there are any deviations from these habits and from these characteristics.
Although it is a cliché it is not true that a full-term baby moves less due to the limited space.
This is a false myth that must absolutely be debunked: if a mother in fact has doubts about the quantity and quality of the baby's movements, if she feels them too reduced or even absent compared to usual, she must go for a check. Fortunately, many times you will not encounter alarming conditions, but it is always better to be cautious and be able to identify those conditions that can sometimes reduce the amount of movements, such as abnormalities of the amniotic fluid, reduced growth of the child, and identify them in order to act accordingly.
There is no shame, however, if you went to the emergency room or hospital for nothing. Better this way, as I said, the perception of the mother is important: no one knows their child better than the mother. This is why we take great care of what mothers perceive and report.
Listen to "Fetal Movements: When They Begin and When to Worry" on Spreaker.
