What It Really Means When Your Baby Moves A Lot In The Womb

Feeling your baby move is an exciting milestone that many people look forward to during pregnancy. During one's first pregnancy, this milestone often occurs during the second trimester between four and six months (via Cleveland Clinic). At first, the sensation may feel like tickling, bubbling, or butterflies, and may even be mistaken for gas or hunger pangs.

However, there will come a point when the baby's movements become so distinct that it cannot be mistaken for anything else. Not only will you be able to feel the movement, but so will other people who put their hand on your belly (per Medical News Today). The kicks may even become so frequent and intense that you may begin to wonder if everything is all right down there.

Rest assured that your baby's movements are likely within the realm of normal. According to Healthline, your baby may be able to kick with nearly 7 pounds of force at 20 weeks. This increases to nearly 11 pounds of force by 30 weeks, and then (fortunately) dwindles back down to nearly 4 pounds of force by 35 weeks when the baby no longer has much space left.

Experts at What To Expect affirm that it is typical for babies to move at least ten times per hour. It is also normal for your baby to be more active when you are lying still, when you are nervous, or when you have just eaten something. Adrenaline and increases in blood sugar can also increase baby's activity.

With this in mind, you may wonder why your baby is so active, even if it is normal. Kicking is basically your baby's way of getting exercise in order to develop stronger muscles, bones, and joints. In other words, moving a lot is generally a sign that your baby is healthy.

In fact, a person should be more concerned if their baby is not moving a lot. There are some instances in which it is normal for a baby to be less active. For example, the mother engaging in physical activity (including sex) can often lull a baby to sleep. But by the third trimester, you may want to start keeping track of your baby's movements and let your doctor know about any sudden reductions that last longer than a couple hours. According to Healthline, this could be a sign of fetal health problems that need to be investigated by your doctor as soon as possible.