Being pregnant, I bet you cannot wait for the moment your baby moves inside you. I bet some of you did not know that there are ways that can help you provoke the little one to get going in the uterus in the second and third trimester. That is when you can feel the movement, and below, we will show you how to do it.
Whenever you desire for your unborn baby to move in your uterus, you can try some of the tricks below and see if you can encourage some kicks and turns from the little one.
Usually, it is between 16 and 24 weeks of pregnancy when you will start feeling the baby’s movements. If you are pregnant for the first time, then usually it is after 20 weeks. If you haven’t felt any baby movements by week 24, please see a doctor and check if everything is OK with the baby.
Table of Contents
1. Eat Something
Babies will respond to the blood sugar boost you get from food. So, if you want to feel your baby moving and make sure everything is alright, try eating something healthy like crackers with cheese, peanut butter, or some Greek yogurt with nuts and fruits. Maybe add a glass of some natural fruit juice. Sometimes this is all it takes to make your baby start kicking and moving.
When it comes to spicy food, you have probably heard that these kinds of food are the best at provoking baby movement, but you should also know that they will cause you nasty heartburn.
2. Try Doing Jumping Jacks and Sit Downs
This trick is used when the baby is “camera-shy” while doing the ultrasound, and they are not able to accurately do the measurements. It is not uncommon for pregnant ladies to be asked to do some jumping jacks or do a little jog in place and then try to do the ultrasound again. Hopefully, this time the baby will do more movement and roll into a spot where you will be able to see her best.
3. Jiggle or Pock Your Baby Bump Gently
It is not uncommon to see the doctor who does the ultrasound lightly to shake the ultrasound device’s over the pregnant lady’s belly to get the baby to move. Many of the pregnant ladies feel their baby move in the uterus when they gently poke the belly or when they jiggle the belly. Do not forget that you actually have a living creature in your belly, and do not do the jiggling and the pocking vigorously.
4. Try Shining a Flashlight on The Tummy.
The fetus can perceive dark and light by week 22, so there is the possibility that your baby will react if you try shining a flashlight on your belly. There are no promises, but there is a chance that the baby will turn or move away from the light.
5. Try Lying Down
The mother’s walking and moving around during the day makes an enjoyable rocking feeling that makes the baby lull in the uterus to sleep. This is why many pregnant ladies will notice that the baby starts moving right after they decide to lie down in a bed. This usually will make the baby wake up, get restless, and start moving and turning in the uterus. You can test out this trick by lying down even when it is not the time for sleeping and see what will happen. First, try laying on your back, and if that doesn’t work, try rolling on one or the other side and see if that does the trick.
6. Try Talking to The Baby
Don’t ever think that walking and cooing to your baby bump is for nothing. Around week 16 the fetus starts developing hearing, and by week 22 the baby can hear your voice, the noises that your body makes, also loud noises that happen around you, and some other sounds. When the baby’s startle reflex develops, it will be able to wriggle, jump, or move its head to the voices it hears. Therefore, do talk to your little one and do it as often as you can. It is one of the sweetest ways to make your baby react.
7. Try Doing Something That Will Make You Nervous, But Do Not Exaggerate
Your baby will likely react to the adrenaline running in your veins or the butterflies in your stomach. So, if you want to provoke a reaction from your baby, try watching a movie or think of a situation that will make you jittery. Remember to don’t overdo it because putting yourself in panic mode will cause you and your baby more harm than joy.
8. Put Some Music On or Sing a Lullaby
If talking doesn’t do the trick, try singing a peppier song or a lullaby to your baby. This should provoke your baby to jig, and it usually happens after the 22nd week of pregnancy. No matter if you try singing or you put some music on, make sure it is not too loud. Loud music can damage the baby’s developing ears.
You will not be aware of all the movements your baby is making in the uterus until sometime during the second trimester. The babies move inside in the womb as much as they move when they come out.
By the third trimester, you should start feeling the baby kicks once or twice a day. In case you have some worries that the baby is not moving as much as it should, see a doctor right away.
All babies are different, so if any of the ticks we mentioned above do not work for you, it is ok. The important thing is to feel your baby moving and kicking around 10 times per hour during the third trimester. And, as we said many times above, if you have any concern about your baby not moving enough, see a doctor as soon as possible. But, do not worry, it usually means nothing, and you and the baby are good.
