by Anai Rhoads
A healthy baby is an active baby
In order to ensure your baby is doing well, you will need to monitor your baby's movements daily. The following is a list of how to monitor your baby's movements, which you can do after 20 weeks of pregnancy:
- Make sure to count the fetal movements at least once a day.
- Set aside a specific time, and do this the same time each day.
- Only kicks and turns should be considered. Any light movements should not be counted. In order to separate stomach rumbles from actual baby movements, try this about 2 hours after a meal.
- You may lay down on your left side (better for your circulation) while doing this.
- Write down the time you started. For a healthy baby, you should feel 10 movements within 50-60 minutes.
When should I worry?
If you do not feel your baby move at least 10 times an hour, or worse for 12 hours, please call your doctor right away.
If your doctor's office is closed for the day, call your local hospital to discuss this matter with them. They may require you to come in for an ultrasound to see how the baby is functioning.
Anai Rhoads is a medical and political researcher/writer with a particular interest in the sanctions on Iraq and the wider effect of racism's influence in the Middle East. A vegan since 2000, she is a dedicated supporter of activities which promote animal and human rights. Originally from Greece, she now resides in Virginia, USA with her husband and their two dogs, Bijou and Eva.
Copyright © Anai Rhoads. Permission to publish granted to Pregnancy.org, LLC.
