Discover Why Babies Move In The Womb

There is nothing more exciting for a mother during pregnancy than to feel the baby begin to move in the womb. It is a way of knowing that their little one is doing well, that it is growing and getting stronger to soon be in her arms.

But when babies move, it’s not just to remind us they’re there. In fact , they respond to a need in fetal development to strengthen their bones and joints . A study published in the journal Development confirms this. So let’s see what it’s all about and how important it is for babies to move in the womb.

In what week will I feel my baby move in the womb?

The moment a woman knows she’s expecting a baby, she can’t stop thinking about when she’ll feel him or her move. She usually feels her belly looking for a feeling that shows the baby is there, in her belly.

The movements of the baby in the womb begin between 7 and 15 weeks of pregnancy. They are very mild and the baby is still very small, so they are difficult to notice. Then, around week 20, between the fourth and fifth month, you will feel your baby move for the first time.

This movement in your womb will be very gentle, like a tickle or the feeling of butterflies. Little by little it will get more intense and consistent, until you feel them kick as they turn around. When the baby is older, the movements become more energetic. In addition , you will increase your perception and know the baby’s routine and sleep schedule.

Generally, when you feel your baby move, you will feel arm and leg movements, head and jaw movements, sucking and swallowing, hiccups, hand-face contact, stretching, yawning, and twisting. In addition, modern ultrasounds show that babies in the womb can smile, cry and blink.

These movements will be more intense between weeks 28 and 34. After this week, however, they will decrease somewhat due to the lack of space in your uterus. Of course you will always feel them, especially when moving or stretching.

Why is it important for your baby to move in the womb?

As we mentioned, a study in the journal Development found that the movement of the embryo turns on the molecules that direct the cells that will form the bones and joints, so that they become strong and functional tissues.

In their study, the scientists observed the molecular changes in the joints of chicken and mouse embryos, which work in the same way in all species, evaluating the differences between two groups of embryos. One group has free movement and a control group is immobilized. In the embryos that did not move, there were bone deformities and changes in the functionality of bones and joints.

dr. Paula Murphy, who led the study, explained that without movement, the cells that make up articular cartilage form bone by receiving a wrong molecular signal.

This is why the baby’s movements appear so early, spontaneously via reflexes from the spinal cord. Then, as the baby grows, around week 18, they can make deliberate movements that are more complex and functional.

At the same time , the amniotic fluid that surrounds the baby makes these movements lighter and easier. In this way the musculoskeletal system can grow well.

During pregnancy, the baby needs to move in the womb to:

• Strengthen the neuromuscular system.
• Sufficient to form and strengthen bones and joints.
• Allowing us to evaluate the baby’s activity, as it is an easy way to monitor the baby.
• Confirm the affective bond between mother, father and baby.

How do I stimulate my baby’s movement?

Babies are usually very active in the afternoon and night, when the mother is resting. Their movements can be more constant at certain times. As your pregnancy progresses, you will get used to the rhythm and intensity of their movements and their kicks. While they can be annoying at times, they let you know that your baby is fine.

If you’re trying to get them moving, you can wake them up and stimulate them by keeping these recommendations in mind:

• Sit down, relax, and enjoy the connection. You can caress your belly and talk to them. Your baby will definitely respond.
• Have a sweet treat or some chocolate. Glucose stimulates their movements.
• Put soft music on your stomach, and it will encourage baby to move.
• Involve your partner in this ritual. Your baby will love to know that Mom and Dad want to feel him move.

One of the ways to monitor your baby’s well-being during the third trimester is to evaluate their movements and kicks several times a day for a set amount of time . If you don’t feel any movement after stimulation, you should go to the gynecologist as soon as possible to have an ultrasound done and make sure everything is going well, because your baby needs to move in the womb.