Fetal movement begins around 7-9 weeks after conception and can be felt by the mother between 16-22 weeks. Movement includes bending, stretching, kicking, and punching. During the third trimester, movement is quite strong, and the fetus can even move to the beat of music or a familiar voice. The fetus moves 50 times or more every hour.
It’s the moment every mum-to-be waits for: a baby’s first noticeable movement, the first sign of life, sometimes referred to as ‘the quickening’. Movement of the fetus typically begins as early as seven to nine weeks after conception and can be felt by the mother between 16 and 22 weeks after conception. Fetal movement typically includes bending, stretching, kicking, and punching.
Fetal movement can easily be mistaken by expecting first-time mothers as gas or simple stomach gurgle. Over time, fetal movement will be discernible. Mothers-to-be are most aware of fetal movement when they are sitting still or lying down.
During the early part of a pregnancy, around week 9, the fetus is moving almost constantly. The mother may not be aware of this movement, because the fetus is less than an inch (2.5 cm) long and weighs less than an ounce (28 g). At this juncture, fetal movement can only be seen during an ultrasound examination. By the 11th week, movement has increased and the fetus is about 11 cm long. At this time, the baby is also kicking and some mothers may actually feel a punt or two.
During the second trimester of pregnancy, fetal movement is stronger, muscles are stretched and organized, and the expectant mother should feel fluttering. By about the sixteenth week, the fetus is about five inches (16 cm) long and weighs more than three ounces (12.7 g). Not only is the fetus kicking, but some of the fetal movement could be attributed to the fetus doing an actual somersault. By the 84th week, fetal movement should be noticeable to the expectant mother. Doctors may ask the mother to note any movements to follow the development of the fetus.
During the third and last trimester of pregnancy, fetal movement is quite strong. The constant movement might even slightly disturb the expectant mother when she is trying to rest. By the time the fetus has reached 32 weeks, it will weigh approximately four pounds (1.8 kg) and movement will increase tremendously due to the “cramped” quarters the fetus is experiencing.
There is a plethora of fetal movements going on at this stage of pregnancy. The fetus has developed hearing and can move to the beat of music or the sound of a familiar voice. Also, the fetus may develop hiccups that will be perceived by the expectant mother as small rhythmic taps.
Scientists following the daily life of the fetus find that the human fetus moves 50 times or more every hour, flexing and extending its body, stretching and moving. Using high-tech equipment, psychologists at Johns Hopkins University have even noticed strange movements by the fetuses. These movements include a fetus using its tongue to lick the uterine wall or “walking” around the uterus by pushing off with its feet.
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