Dr. Marjorie Greenfield
Specializing in pregnancy and birth.
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 Ask Dr. Greenfield
Feeling the Baby Move | | | QUESTION | | | Dear Dr. Greenfield,
I'm 21 weeks pregnant but haven't felt the baby move yet. Could something be wrong? What does it feel like?— No Butterflies | | | ANSWER |
April 11, 2003 | | | Dear No Butterflies,
Feeling fetal movement is a funny thing. While second-time mothers often feel it by 16 weeks, first time moms sometimes can't tell for sure until as late as 22 weeks. Why is that? No one knows if a woman who has had a baby before actually feels something earlier, or if the mother just recognizes the feeling when it is subtle.
As long as your prenatal visits have demonstrated a normal fetal heart rate, not having felt your baby move by 21 weeks isn't a sign of a problem.
What does fetal movement feel like? Most women describe it as a fluttering sensation or as little pokes. You are most likely to feel your baby move when you are being calm and still and paying attention. Try resting quietly right after you have eaten, when many babies are most active.
Within the next month, you will notice your baby moving numerous times every day. Before long, you (and your loved ones) will even be able to feel the baby's movements with a hand on your tummy. A little farther along, and your baby's kicks may even wake your partner up from sleep. So be patient--you will feel those flutters and pokes any day now!
— by Marjorie Greenfield, M.D. |
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