FETAL MOVEMENTS One of the most exciting moments in your pregnancy is when you feel those first little flutters of your baby kicking. These tiny movements reassure you that your baby is developing and help you feel closer to the little life inside. MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 1) When will I feel my baby kicking? You should feel your baby's first movements, called "quickening, " between weeks 16 and 25 of your pregnancy. If this is your first pregnancy, you may not feel your baby move until closer to 25 weeks. By the second pregnancy, some women start to feel movements as early as 13 weeks. You're more likely to feel baby move when you're in a quiet position, either sitting or lying down. 2)How does the fetal movement feel like? Pregnant women describe their baby's movements as butterflies, nervous twitches, or a tumbling motion. At first, it may be hard to tell whether your baby has moved. You may think them as hunger pangs or gad.Second- and third-time moms are more adept at perceiving fetal movements. By your second and third trimesters, the movements should be more distinct, and you'll be able to feel your baby's kicks, jabs, and elbows. 3) How often should I feel my baby moving? Once you easily feel your baby’s movements (around 20 weeks), you’ll notice them more often. However, you may not always feel your baby’s movements, especially if you are busy and are not paying attention. Babies tend to move more at certain times of day – they may be more active while you sleep between 9pm to 1am and sleep while you’re awake. Usually, unborn babies sleep for 20-40 minutes at a time (occasionally up to 90 minutes), and they don’t move when they’re asleep. You might not notice your baby’s movements as easily while you’re sitting or standing as when you lie down and concentrate on them. Babies’ movements change as they grow and develop, and they should become more frequent in the third trimester. Towards the end of your pregnancy, you might feel anything from 16 to 45 movements an hour. A healthy baby will keep moving when you are in labour too. To be continued........Dr nandini shete