Why Babies Kick During Pregnancy

BABY KICKS DURING PREGNANCY: WHY THEY KICK AND OTHER INTERESTING FACTS

Every pregnant woman longs for the moment their little miracle will give their first kick. You can see the proud mothers beaming and letting everyone around feel the baby’s little punt. It may be a little startling, perhaps a sudden reminder that there is life growing in your womb. So why do babies kick?

According to science, baby kicks are just among the many movements the little one is learning while inside the womb. They start moving at about seven weeks and may hiccup, stretch, yawn or even such their thumbs. The mother, however, may not feel the movements until around the sixteenth week of pregnancy. At this time, the baby is stronger and able to exude more powerful thrusts.

HERE ARE SOME INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT BABIES KICKING DURING PREGNANCY 

They are your baby’s way of exercising

Your little bundle of joy may feel a little curled up in the tight space that the uterus provides. It decreases more and more as the baby grows bigger and this results to more kicks.

Kicking and stretching are healthy for the development of the little one’s joints. While it is still not clear whether the baby is in control of such movements or whether they are just reflexes, some scientists suggest that in most cases, the babies barely know what’s happening. It's like a natural way of helping with the strengthening of their bones and joints.

They show normal and healthy development

If your baby is not kicking by the eighteenth week, then you have a good reason to be worried. You should be able to feel the baby turning, tumbling, kicking, punching and rolling in your tummy. Sometimes it's because they are kicking for a kids ride on car or a toy kitchen - jokes... You may also feel a little tickle in your abdomen as the baby stretches out. These movements increase with time until the little one comes out kicking and yelling in protest. If you don’t feel any of these movements, then you should pay a visit to your doctor immediately.

Sometimes the baby may move as a response to stimuli

Your baby may also move in response to changes in nearby environments:

1. They may kick to respond to sounds such as your voice or their father’s.
2. To show a dislike or preference for certain flavours taken in by the mother  

This is because in that position, the baby has less supply of blood and their movements are minimized to conserve oxygen. On the contrary, the movement increases when you lie on your side as they receive more blood.

1. About reduced kicks

In most cases, the baby’s movement will reduce during the late stages of pregnancy as space is limited. Sometimes. However, it can also be a warning sign that something is wrong. Movements may be reduced when:

1. The mother is under stress
2. The mother is not receiving good nutrition
3. There is an abruption in the placenta.

To make sure that the baby is still doing great, please attend the antenatal check-ups as regularly as your doctor prescribes. To get prepared for your little one, organise a carrier wrap and a baby rocker so they can continue the kicks while being supported.