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Changes in Fetal Movement

decreased fetal movement, pregnant woman doing kick counts with her phone
From somersaults to sleeping, your baby's activity levels will rise and fall throughout pregnancy. Here's what to expect — and when it's time to call the doctor.
In This Article

Changes in fetal movement throughout pregnancy
Reasons for decreased fetal movement
Reasons for a very active baby in the womb
When to worry about fetal movement

After all the first trimester fatigue (and nausea, and constipation, and frequent need to pee), the joyful feeling of your baby | s first movements comes as a welcome relief in the second trimester. But what might initially seem like a sport (how long does it take after that morning OJ to feel a flutter?) can sometimes become a stressor as you wonder what fetal movement should feel like — and whether any changes are normal.

Learn more about expected increases and decreases in fetal movement, plus the signs it's time to check in with your practitioner.
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Changes in fetal movement throughout pregnancy

Fetal movements vary from person to person and baby to baby. Some babies constantly test the limits of their cozy confines, while others sit back and relax until their debuts. What | s more, significant changes in fetal movement throughout your pregnancy are normal:
In the second trimester

When you feel those first flutters of fetal movement (usually around month 5 or weeks 18 to 22 of pregnancy), they might seem like butterflies, twitches, nudges or even hunger pangs.

Once you can feel them, the movements will grow increasingly acrobatic and his punches more powerful as his muscles get stronger. Your little gymnast is also still small enough to turn somersaults with abandon in your uterus.

By the time you're 6 months pregnant, leg movements become more frequent and seemingly choreographed. You might start noticing patterns in the pitter-patter of those little feet, although it's just as likely that the behavior will be unpredictable.
In the third trimester

At 7 months pregnant, your baby still has enough room to toss and turn ,and he's getting stronger every day. Those punches, while comforting, can feel downright jolting.

As your baby packs on the pounds in month 8, that formerly spacious apartment called your womb becomes more like a cramped closet. Acrobatic tumbles are less likely, but you'll continue to feel wriggling and turning with a few jabs of elbows and knees thrown in for good measure.