Understanding fetal movements<\/h2>\n
In addition to representing a first connection<\/strong> with you, the fact that your baby moves<\/strong> and kicks<\/strong> is reassuring for the monitoring of your pregnancy<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Fetal movements<\/strong> generally begin to be noticeable from the second trimester<\/strong>. These movements play an important role in your baby\u2019s development<\/strong>:<\/p>\n The intensity and regularity of movements also reflect the development of your baby\u2019s state of alertness<\/strong>. For example, from 16 weeks of amenorrhea<\/strong> (WA) \/ 20 WA<\/strong>, your baby begins to develop sleep and wake cycles<\/strong>. The fact that they move more during certain periods and less during others<\/strong> may reflect the establishment of these sleep cycles<\/strong> (note, however, that fetuses\u2014just as you may later observe with your baby\u2014also move, and sometimes a lot, during their sleep!).<\/p>\n Even in their pocket of amniotic fluid, your baby can make many movements<\/strong>. Here are a few examples:<\/p>\n Good to know: there are no \u201cworrisome\u201d movements<\/strong>. Jerks, waves, vibrations\u2014what matters is that your baby moves regularly and as usual<\/strong>. If you have any concerns, don\u2019t hesitate to talk to the healthcare professional who is monitoring your pregnancy.<\/p>\n As your baby develops, it becomes easier to feel their movements<\/strong>. While certain kicks or hand placements may lead you to imagine your baby\u2019s position, it is difficult to be sure: your baby is very flexible<\/strong>, and it is not uncommon for them to adopt the most unexpected positions<\/strong>.<\/p>\n At the end of pregnancy<\/strong>, your baby has less space to turn around. As a result, they usually adopt one of the following positions while waiting for the day of delivery<\/strong>:<\/p>\n It is also possible for your baby to present in a rarer position<\/strong>:<\/p>\n Indeed, your baby\u2019s kicks and movements can give you clues<\/strong> about their position:<\/p>\n Of course, even if you have your own theories about your baby\u2019s position based on the kicks you feel, only a palpation of your uterus<\/strong> or an ultrasound<\/strong> performed by your healthcare professional<\/strong> can confirm it with certainty.<\/p>\n You can try to determine your baby\u2019s position more reliably than by interpreting kicks alone by palpating your uterus yourself<\/strong> (this becomes easier as the pregnancy progresses!). To do this:<\/p>\n This exercise is not easy to do without experience<\/strong>, so don\u2019t worry if you don\u2019t understand what you\u2019re feeling under your fingers! Let\u2019s remember: no movement is worrisome<\/strong>. However, certain changes<\/strong> in your baby\u2019s movements may require medical attention<\/strong>. Here are a few signs to watch for:<\/p>\nWhy do babies move in the womb?<\/h3>\n
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The different movements of your baby<\/h3>\n
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How can you tell the baby\u2019s position based on kicks?<\/h2>\n
Common positions at the end of pregnancy<\/h3>\n
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Interpreting the baby\u2019s position based on kicks<\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\nWhen should you worry about your baby\u2019s movements?<\/h2>\n
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