That moment when you feel your baby kick for the first time, the joy you’ll feel is unquantifiable, these tiny movement is one of those things that assure you your baby is growing and healthy. A pregnant woman usually feel her baby ‘s first kick, often called ‘quickening,’ around the 16th and 25th weeks of her pregnancy. Although, if you’re a first time mom, you might not feel these movement until around your 25th week but if it’s your first, you might feel it as early as the 13th week.
You can easily feel your baby kick while sitting or in a relaxed position. Here are the 7 things your baby’s kicks during pregnancy is saying;
1. The first kick indicates development and growth
The first kick of your baby in the womb shows that your baby is alive, active and healthy. Dr Taneja explains, “The first kick of the baby in the womb indicates her age, growth and her viability.” And if your baby flex his/her limbs at the beginning of your pregnancy you can feel the flutter in your belly.
2. Kicks also indicate the baby’s response to his environment
Your baby may kick as a response to any physical movement you make yourself. If you just finished eating, he/she may move or stretch in response to the noise of the food that you consumed.
3. Increased frequency of kicks while lying on the left side
If you lie on your left side while pregnant, you may get an increased number of kicks from your baby. Dr Taneja explains, “This is because lying on the left side boosts blood supply into the foetus, thereby increasing the baby’s movements.” So if you experience extra kicks when you lie on your left side, don’t be alarmed, your baby is only displaying signs of energy.
4. Kicks are also indicative of future behavior
If your baby is extra active and kicks a lot and strongly, you might have a baby that you’ll have to be running after when they are growing up. “Recent studies have also shown that baby’s kick hold the key to his/her brain development,” says Dr Taneja.
5. You may start receiving kicks almost immediately after you hit nine weeks
Your baby may start kicking anytime between 16 weeks and 25 weeks, but they can also kick after nine weeks, it’s normal. If you feel your baby kick before 9 weeks, talk to your doctor. After the 24 weeks of your pregnancy, you’ll feel kicks more often.
6. Reduced kicking at end of the pregnancy indicates the baby’s distress
If after 28 weeks of pregnancy, your baby’s kicks suddenly reduce, talk to your doctor immediately. Dr Taneja says “Reduced kicks are an indication that the baby may be under some kind of stress,” If you noticed that your child’s kicks has reduced, record the time it takes for your child to kick 10 times. The foetus could be having reduced or insufficient supply of oxygen so do this, take a cold glass of water and a long walk. If your baby does not kick 10 times in two hours, then you should consult a doctor and undergo an ultrasound scan.
7. Reduced kicks after 36 weeks is no worry
If your baby’s kicks reduce after your baby is 36 weeks, there’s no cause to worry, your baby doesn’t have enough room to kick and move around in. Although you experience a kick in your ribs.
A baby’s kicks gives the mother so much joy, knowing she’s carrying a life in her which is why you might be worried if your baby stops kicking, whatever you are unsure of, just talk to your doctor. Wishing you safe delivery!
