When does the baby's fetal movements start? What expectant mothers must know about fetal movements
Fetal movement is one of the most anticipated moments during pregnancy. It is not only a signal of the baby's health, but also the beginning of the emotional connection between mother and child. Many expectant mothers are curious about when fetal movement begins and how to determine whether fetal movement is normal. This article will give you detailed answers based on the hot topics on the Internet in the past 10 days.
1. The time when fetal movement begins

The timing of fetal movement varies among pregnant women, but usually follows the following rules:
| pregnancy stage | Fetal movement performance | common time |
|---|---|---|
| 16-20 weeks pregnant | First fetal movement (like a small fish swimming or a butterfly lapping) | Later for primiparous women and earlier for multiparous women. |
| 20-24 weeks pregnant | Fetal movements gradually become more apparent | Can be felt several times a day |
| 24-28 weeks pregnant | Regularization of fetal movements | Baby begins to have sleep and wake cycles |
| After 28 weeks of pregnancy | Fetal movements are frequent and powerful | Belly rise and fall can be observed |
2. Factors affecting fetal movement perception
The perception time of fetal movement is affected by many factors:
| factor | Influence |
|---|---|
| Pregnant body shape | Pregnant women who are thinner often sense fetal movements earlier |
| Placenta location | Placenta previa may reduce the feeling of fetal movement |
| fetal personality | Active babies have more obvious fetal movements |
| Activities for pregnant women | It is easier to detect fetal movement when it is quiet |
3. Fetal movement counting method
Starting at 28 weeks of pregnancy, doctors usually recommend recording fetal movements. Here are two common methods:
| method | operate | normal standard |
|---|---|---|
| 10 count method | Record the time required for 10 fetal movements | Complete 10 times in 2 hours |
| fixed time method | Count 1 hour at a fixed time every day | 3-5 times per hour |
4. Recent hot discussions: Signs of abnormal fetal movement
According to hot discussions on the Internet in the past 10 days, what expectant mothers are most concerned about is how to identify abnormal fetal movements:
1.Sudden decrease in fetal movements: It may be an early signal of fetal hypoxia, which requires special attention especially in the third trimester of pregnancy.
2.Fetal movement is too violent: Sudden vigorous activity and then cessation may be a sign of fetal distress.
3.Changes in fetal movement pattern: If your baby’s usual activity pattern changes significantly, it is recommended to seek medical examination.
5. Expert advice
1. After 28 weeks of pregnancy, fetal movements should be recorded at a fixed time every day to establish an "activity file" of the baby.
2. Choose a time period when your baby is usually active and avoid counting when your baby is sleeping.
3. You can lie on your left side when recording to relax and avoid interference.
4. Seek medical attention immediately if you find any abnormalities, and don’t wait to “see again tomorrow”.
6. Netizens’ experience sharing
From recent discussions on social platforms, we have collected some real experiences of expectant mothers:
| Gestational age | Feeling of fetal movements | Netizen description |
|---|---|---|
| 18 weeks | first fetal movement | "Like intestinal peristalsis, very subtle" |
| 22 weeks | Obvious fetal movement | "I can feel the baby turning over" |
| 28 weeks | Regular fetal movements | "Activities start on time at 9pm every night" |
| 32 weeks | Strong fetal movement | "You can see a small bump bulging out of your belly." |
7. Clarification of common misunderstandings
1.Misunderstanding 1: "The more frequent fetal movements, the healthier the baby will be." Fact: The quality of fetal movement is more important than quantity. Only sudden and drastic changes require vigilance.
2.Misunderstanding 2: "Fetal movements will decrease in late pregnancy." Fact: Fetal movement patterns will change but should not significantly decrease.
3.Misunderstanding 3: "The position of fetal movement can determine the gender of the fetus." Fact: There is no scientific basis for this.
Fetal movement is one of the most precious experiences during pregnancy. Understanding the normal patterns of fetal movement can help expectant mothers better monitor their baby's health. Remember, every baby is unique and movement patterns will vary from person to person. If you have any concerns, it is wisest to consult your doctor promptly.
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