First fetal movements in pregnancy: timing

Pregnancy is always an amazing and mysterious phenomenon. Regardless of whether it is the first time or repeated. It is always something new, unusual. Mothers with many children emphasize that fetal movement during pregnancy is different every time. There is no pregnancy that is similar to the previous one. And it is not surprising, because a new life is developing inside. Each stage of development has its own characteristics, preferences, and the level of activity is different. [ 1 ]

When does fetal movement begin, the first fetal movements?

As soon as pregnancy occurs, the physiology and psyche are rebuilt. The understanding comes that now a small living creature is developing inside. As the results of psychological studies show, even if a woman is not expecting and does not particularly think about her pregnancy, when the fetus begins to move, the attitude towards pregnancy changes dramatically. A feeling of responsibility immediately arises, an awareness of one's special position, a new role.

The first movements of the fetus are important from a psychological point of view, since they trigger a series of changes and new formations in the consciousness and psyche of the woman. A state arises in which the attention of women is directed inward, to the maintenance and protection of the fetus. [ 2 ]

There are many psychological studies on this subject. For example, the theory of S. Grof is well known, according to which biological perinatal matrices function, which determine the development of the fetus, its relationship with the mother. He describes a special state of a woman, which occurs at the moment when the fetus begins to move. A number of hormonal and physiological neoplasms occur, which lead to the fact that the dominant of pregnancy begins to function in the woman's consciousness. It determines the behavior of the woman and her attitude to the future child, to her current state. At this moment, all the woman's attention switches from the outside world to her internal sensations and to the subtleties of the relationship with the fetus.

This is especially important in modern conditions, for busy, working mothers, business ladies, whose attention is almost always focused on the outside world and rarely focuses on their own feelings. Research shows that it is in such mothers that the pregnancy dominant functions especially actively and in such women one can most clearly observe how external connections and factors lose their significance for them, and all attention is accumulated precisely on feelings, symbiotic connections with the fetus. [ 3 ]

At this time, a woman may have various, most unpredictable reactions - from tenderness and tearfulness to sharp aggression and hatred. Often, the first movements of the fetus are accompanied by a subconscious desire to protect it from the outside world. This leads to a hostile attitude towards the outside world, increased attentiveness, vigilance, suspicion, or simply excessive fears.

At this time, almost all women, even ardent animal lovers and defenders, notice how their attitude towards animals changes. They begin to irritate, there is a desire to remove them from sight, an unbearable disgust towards them develops, intertwined with a desire to limit contact with them, especially to protect them from anything that may be associated with a child. It is at this time, unfortunately, under the influence of hormones, that many women give away or kick out their previously beloved pets.

Psychologists also note that this is the worst time for new beginnings, responsible actions, and studies, since a woman's attention will be scattered. During this period, a woman is unable to perceive, remember, and process new information, is unable to concentrate, and is generally unable to think rationally.

First fetal movements during first pregnancy

Previously, the woman's reproductive organs were not involved. Therefore, they are activated, stretched, and rebuilt. The body is not ready for a new load, a new role, so it undergoes a sharp restructuring, adaptation to new needs and features of functioning. Therefore, during the first pregnancy, the reaction occurs much later, and accordingly, the woman will feel the first movements of the fetus much later.

As many first-time mothers note, they first felt movement at about 20 weeks (exactly half of the pregnancy). There are also often cases when the first half of pregnancy goes completely unnoticed for a first-time mother, to the point that she does not even suspect that she is pregnant. The belly grows slowly due to the fact that the muscles are in fairly good tone, the uterus is not yet stretched. This is especially common in athletes who have been involved in sports since childhood. Firstly, they have a good muscle frame, and secondly, due to training, the pain threshold is sharply reduced, so muscle stretching may not be felt. Some athletes note that at this time, despite not being pregnant, they even had their periods. And this is also quite understandable. The hormone (estrogen) continues to be produced in the body, since the uterus is not yet stretched enough and does not send a signal about pregnancy, which serves as an incentive to stop menstruation. [ 4 ]

It is important to take into account the individuality factor, which is determined by general well-being, physiological indicators, genetic factors, and age.

Fetal movement in multiparous women

Since the reproductive system of women giving birth for the second time is already prepared for pregnancy, fetal movement can be felt much earlier.

If we talk about specific terms, the average figures are as follows: during the second pregnancy, fetal movement is felt at about 18-20 weeks; during the third – at 17-18, during subsequent ones – at 16-17. The earliest case in which a woman giving birth for the second time managed to feel fetal movement was at 10 weeks (when the belly was not even visible yet). The latest case was at 33 weeks (6 weeks before birth, when the baby was already almost fully formed). [ 5 ]

Fetal movement during second pregnancy

During a second pregnancy, the body is already prepared for carrying a child, and fetal movement may occur much earlier. Most first felt movement at 18-20 weeks. At first, they were weak and difficult to distinguish from the rumbling that occurs when you are very hungry.

Gradually, as development proceeded, these sensations became stronger. It was already possible to clearly understand that there was movement in the uterus. There are several types of movements. And a caring mother gradually learns to understand the "speech" of the future child. Women note that in different situations the fetus behaves differently, and gradually one can learn to understand what is happening to it.

Fetal movement during third pregnancy

Most women note that during their third pregnancy, the sensation of fetal movement first appeared around 16-18 weeks of pregnancy. At first, it is weak, barely perceptible, and comes from deep within the body. Gradually, as the fetus grows and develops, the strength and intensity of the sensations increases. The fetus becomes closer to the surface of the body, and a sensation of movement appears under the skin.

It is noted that the fetus can move like a worm. Longitudinal, intermittent movements of a wave-like nature are felt, reminiscent of the movement of a snake or a long worm. Many have the feeling that there is a long tapeworm inside. Gradually, these movements intensify, increase. There is a feeling that the fetus daily goes around the entire area, moves along the entire circumference of the uterus, along all free space. [ 6 ]

During the third pregnancy, women feel that the fetus moves strictly at a certain time (which most people had not noticed before). Some say that it is more active in the morning, while others note increased activity in the evening or at night. Many women suggest that the fetus is "walking", doing daily warm-ups tied to a certain time.

Fetal movement during fourth pregnancy

Numerous surveys of pregnant women show that during the fourth pregnancy, fetal movement becomes very strong and distinct. It can be felt as early as 15-16 weeks.

First, wave-like movements appear. They are usually associated with normal, everyday activity. The duration of such movements may vary. Sometimes it is felt as if the fetus "goes around" the entire space, moving over the entire area. Visually, you can also notice how a wave passes under the skin along the abdomen, the fetus gradually moves. Sometimes short, wave-like movements are felt, which quickly subside. There is a feeling that the fetus has simply moved, taken a more comfortable position for it, and continues to remain in a motionless position. Sometimes women note sharp jolts.

Fetal movement in twins

With twins, the first fetal movements are noted at approximately the same time as with a single fetus. They are more intense and longer lasting. Movement is also clearly felt on both sides, which almost never occurs with a singleton pregnancy.

Fetal movement in obese women

Obesity is a serious problem when carrying a child. Definitely, the first movement of the fetus is felt much later in obese people (than in people with normal or insufficient body weight). The more excess weight, the harder it is to feel the movement. Subcutaneous fat acts as a shock absorber, which muffles the movement.

Fetal movements by week

Let's assume that fetal movements are not felt until the 20th week. Then, the intensity and strength of movements differ by week. It should be taken into account that the first time you can feel movement both earlier (approximately from the 9th-10th week), and later - from the 25th, and even 30th week.

Let us consider a very conditional description of the characteristics of fetal movement, presented by week. [ 7 ]

So, from the 20th to the 23rd week, slight movements are felt that occur deep in the body. They are still unclear, and many women confuse them with normal movement in the intestines, or with the rumbling in the stomach that occurs when feeling hungry.

Around 24-25 weeks, the movements become more distinct, and it is already possible to accurately distinguish where the movements are associated with intestinal activity and where the movements of the fetus are.

From the 25th week, short wave-like movements appear. They are usually intermittent and occur with a certain periodicity.

From the 26th week, these movements become more prolonged. There is a feeling that a long worm or snake is moving inside. They are felt quite well, become visible visually (the abdominal wall moves, corresponding to the curves of the fetus's body). Periodic pulsating movements are also felt. [ 8 ]

From the 27th-28th week, the movements become very diverse. Every day, at about the same time, the fetus passes through the entire area of the uterus, moving in long, wave-like movements. It is quite noticeable how it moves in different directions: sometimes it crawls as high as possible, as far as possible under the chest, under the diaphragm, sometimes it goes down as far as possible, putting pressure on the pelvic area, lower abdomen. At this time, muscle pain can be felt (they are stretched). There is also pain, pressure and discomfort in the pelvic area, hips, buttocks.

From the 28th-29th week, the fetus already clearly reacts to touch, “expresses” pleasure, dissatisfaction. Each woman shows this individually, and gradually each mother learns to understand and distinguish different reactions. Usually, if the fetus is happy, pleasant, smooth movements appear, like something swaying on the waves. There is a feeling as if a light, smooth massage is being done from the inside, with pleasant stroking and wave-like movements. If the fetus is unhappy, the movements are usually sharp, reminiscent of jolts, can be intermittent (dotted). Often such movements are unpleasant, painful. [ 9 ]

From about the 30th week, the fetus begins to make various chaotic movements, moves in different directions - from the chest to the pelvic area, from left to right, and even diagonally. It is at this time that various bizarre shapes can be distinguished: a head, leg, or other part of the body can be clearly seen through the abdominal wall. The fetus begins to react with various movements to being addressed, to words, to touches. It can approach or move away from the hand if touched.

31-32 weeks – the movements are most noticeable. Often from this time the fetus clearly expresses its reaction to the father: it can even push and constantly move, “not finding a place for itself” when he is not nearby. It calms down when he talks to it, puts a hand on it. Some show a reaction to soft and pleasant things, to pets. So, if you put something soft and pleasant on your stomach, many women will feel how the fetus rises up and becomes as close as possible to the surface of the stomach. If you move the thing, it will start moving after it.

From 32-33 weeks, the fetus moves rarely, but strongly. Sometimes these movements can be painful. The movements are felt quite well when the woman goes to bed: the fetus also "settles down" and moves until it falls asleep.

From the 35th week, the frequency of movements gradually begins to decrease. It moves less and less often, since it is already becoming quite large, and takes up almost all the free space in the uterus.

From the 38th week, fetal movements are practically indistinguishable. They can be heard using special equipment. [ 10 ]

What is the normal fetal movement?

There is no such concept as "normal fetal movement" in gynecology and obstetrics. What movement is normal and what is not - only the woman herself can say, since these are subjective sensations. But in any case, all your sensations should be described in as much detail as possible, with all the nuances, to the doctor who is monitoring the pregnancy. Based on the anamnesis, examination, results of laboratory tests, ultrasound, the doctor can roughly assume acceptable normal options for each woman. In any case, the woman's well-being is decisive. If everything is fine, then fetal movement during pregnancy is probably within the normal range. [ 11 ] Any unpleasant sensation, especially pain, can be a sign of pathology, a signal that something is going wrong. Therefore, you need to carefully monitor your own sensations and talk about them with the doctor so that he can compare everything and draw conclusions.