How Active Should a Baby Be in the Womb?

Women can usually feel their babies move in the womb around 18 weeks, which seems like fluttering. As the baby grows, the mother can feel even more movement.

Significance

Women should start monitoring a baby's movements in the womb by the 28th week of a normal pregnancy for the well-being of the baby. By monitoring your baby's movements, you will know if she is being active enough or if the doctor needs to examine the baby.

Effects

A baby who is not moving often may have problems getting oxygen or nutrients. This can result in low birth weight, brain damage or death.

Considerations

Monitor fetal movement at the time of the day when the baby is usually most active. If you're having trouble rousing your little one to check for activity, play music or eat something to get her moving.

Fetal Size

When monitoring a baby's activity, remember that as you near the end of the pregnancy and space is running out, the baby's movements will feel different. You will still feel twinges and shifting, but not the somersaults that happened earlier in pregnancy.

Warning

According to the American Pregnancy Association, if you do not feel 10 movements in 2 hours, you should contact your doctor. Your doctor can perform an ultrasound to check on the baby.

References

• Kick Counts
• Kick Count FAQs