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Feeling your little one kick and move is one of the best parts of pregnancy. This also reassures the mum-to-be of her baby\u2019s well-being.<\/p>\n
Obstetrician & gynaecologist Dr Liana Koe of STO+G Practice at Thomson Medical Centre notes that babies start to move about from around the seventh to eighth week of pregnancy, and mothers can start to feel the baby moving by the 16th week.<\/p>\n
Most women first feel their baby moving (\u201cquickening\u201d) at 18 to 20 weeks of pregnancy, she adds but explains that first-time mums may feel them \u201clater than 20 weeks\u201d. Many pregnant woman start getting anxious when they realise that their baby is moving less or not moving.<\/p>\n
Dr Koe says that in these cases, \u201clie on (your) left side and focus on baby\u2019s movements for two hours\u201d. If you count fewer than 10 movements (kicks, flutters or rolls), she stresses that you should get checked immediately.<\/p>\n
If you count fewer than 10 movements (kicks, flutters or rolls), she stresses that you should get checked immediately.<\/p>\n
To encourage bubba to get moving, here are some methods you can try.<\/p>\n
1. Have a chat with your little one<\/span><\/p>\n Dr Koe suggests that you \u201ctry different activities to see what your baby responds to best\u201d. She says that your little one may react to certain things you do more \u2015 like talking or when you are relaxed.<\/p>\n Try talking to your baby \u2015 they will be able to hear you from around the 27th week and may even learn to recognise your voices. So, either you or the hubs could have a mini-chinwag with your sprout to try to get a response!<\/p>\n 2. Listen to music<\/span><\/p>\n Baby may also respond if you sing a song to them, or listen to music. However, refrain from playing too-loud music to your baby as it could damage your little one\u2019s hearing.<\/p>\n 3. Eat foods containing natural sugar<\/span><\/p>\n Eating sweets \u2015 or healthier alternatives that have sugar may encourage your baby to move. Dr Koe stresses the importance of a good diet during pregnancy, adding that \u201ctoo much sugar can lead to other problems, such as high sugar levels in pregnancy (diabetes in pregnancy).\u201d<\/p>\n Rather than scarfing down sweets and candy, Dr Koe recommends healthier snacks like fresh fruit and yoghurt, which contains probiotics. \u201cFruits that are healthier and contain less sugar include berries, melons and peaches… Avoid dried fruits like raisins, or artificial fruit juices, as they often contain additional processed sugar.\u201d<\/p>\n She adds that expectant women should eat natural yoghurt as \u201cflavoured yoghurt is usually sweetened\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cLying still and focusing on baby\u2019s movements can make movements more obvious\u201d.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stogpractice.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/pregnancy-6-ways-to-get-your-baby-to-move-in-the-womb-2-300x169.jpeg\")
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