Introduction:
The nine-month journey of pregnancy is a unique experience for every woman. While some may have a smooth and easy time, others may encounter various challenges and difficulties along the way. But one thing that is the same for all expecting mothers is the excitement they feel when the baby starts kicking. Foetal movements start around the time you are close to 20 weeks pregnant.
An ultrasound dating scan helps track the baby’s movements and monitor the foetus’ progress inside you. Our clinic has some of the best and most experienced sonographers in Melbourne to provide you with a safe and intimate experience for pregnancy scans.
When does your baby start moving?
Expecting mothers usually start experiencing baby movements between 18-20 weeks of their pregnancy. Sometimes, the movement can start as early as 16 weeks. If it is your first pregnancy, it might be some time before you start feeling your baby’s kicks. This can be as late as 22 weeks.
Other medical reasons can delay foetal movements, such as obesity or a twin pregnancy. Some women have a placenta that sits on the front surface of the uterus, which may cause the delay. If you feel concerned, consult your doctor for an ultrasound dating scan.
In the beginning, baby’s movements will not be consistent. If the baby turns backwards in the stomach, the movement will not be felt strongly. There will also be no movement when the baby is asleep. At other times, a mother may feel pregnancy hiccups like a twitching or pulsating feeling similar to a muscle spasm. This is quite normal and means your baby is practising breathing which results in rhythmic jerky movements. None of these is a matter of concern.
What does your baby’s movement mean?
Since a baby’s moving patterns vary widely, it cannot be seen as a measure of your baby’s health – not before you reach 28 weeks of pregnancy. During this early period, if you feel concerned, then lie down for some time and drink chilled cold water. This can have the desired result of feeling some subtle movements. If you still don’t feel any movement at all, then call up your doctor for advice.
As you reach close to 32 weeks, the baby’s movements become more consistent and fall into a pattern. It is important to keep track of the normal daily pattern. If you feel any change or sense a decrease in the baby’s movement, gently lie down and pay attention to any movement happening. You can also push at your abdomen to see if you can prompt movement from the baby.
In the later stage of the pregnancy, your doctor will usually refer you to a sonographer in Melbourne for a last pregnancy scan to determine how far along your baby is. During these last days, you must monitor the baby’s movements keenly. If you notice a decrease in the movement pattern, wait for about an hour, and if it still remains subdued, then immediately call up your doctor. Going for a check-up is better than waiting the next day.
When you are close to delivery, decreased movements of the baby could mean a number of things. So you should always consult your doctor at the earliest. Do not worry about the ultrasound cost in Melbourne, as pregnancy scans are usually covered under the rebates offered by Medicare.
Precious Glimpse is a private clinic offering ultrasound dating scans for expecting mothers. We have flexible appointment hours to suit your busy schedules. If you want to book a scan with us, call us at (03) 9021 0018.
