Lack of movement at 17-20 weeks of pregnancy

For many expectant mothers, feeling their baby move for the first time is an exciting moment. If, by the time you reach 17 or 20 weeks of pregnancy, there is little to no movement, that can also be cause for concern.

Some women may not notice any movement at this point, while others may feel little flutters or kicks. Each pregnancy is unique, and each person’s period of pregnancy can differ. It’s critical to comprehend what might be causing a delay in experiencing movement and when to contact your healthcare provider for confirmation.

You’re not alone if you’re worried about the current state of inactivity. Your feelings could be influenced by a number of factors, and learning more about them can help you feel more at ease.

Why the fetus does not move?

The formulation of this question is incorrect from the beginning. The fact is that the fetus moves and does so with enviable regularity, but for some reason the mother does not feel its movements. The reasons can be very diverse. If we talk about the period from the 17th week of gestation to the 20th week inclusive, there is only one reason – the fetus is too small. Babies start moving at 8 weeks of pregnancy. The movements of arms, legs, and even the kicks and turns of the baby in the womb cannot be perceived by a pregnant woman, because the weight of the fetus is no more than a gram. Only when the force of the baby"s impact on the wall of the uterus is greater than the threshold of perception of the nerve receptors, the woman will begin to feel the movements of her baby. For this, the baby needs to grow up.

What is considered normal?

In obstetrics, it is considered completely normal if a woman who is 17, 18 or 19 weeks pregnant does not feel movements. And even at 20 weeks and even later, there may not be any distinct sensations. The norms, which, by the way, are quite average, say that a woman can begin to feel the first movements of the baby in the womb between 16 and 22 weeks of pregnancy. It is during this period of time that the long-awaited moment usually arrives. Therefore, a woman who will see a doctor with complaints that the baby does not move in the period from 17 to 20 weeks, will simply advise a little to wait.

Norms are limited to medical literature and textbooks. In actuality, they may vary significantly in both directions.

It is common for expectant mothers to worry about their baby not moving at 17–20 weeks of pregnancy. Fetal movements are still developing during this time and may not be strong or consistent enough to be noticeable, so it can be challenging. Nonetheless, it’s crucial to address any concerns with a healthcare professional because a lack of movement can occasionally signal possible problems. Knowing when to seek medical attention and being aware of typical fetal movement patterns can help to ensure the health and well-being of both mother and child.

What affects the baby"s movements?

When a woman reaches 18 or 19 weeks and is not feeling the baby move, she usually begins to worry. The reviews of other expectant mothers who post on the Internet stating that they have been feeling movements for a long time already at 18–19 weeks have "warmed up" their condition. Here, there’s only one piece of advice: stay calm and avoid looking back at other people. Let’s examine rationally why distinct women may or may not feel the baby’s movements at the same time. Thus, the following could be the cause of the absence of sensations:

Pregnancy – first

In this case, the woman simply does not know what the baby"s first kicks should actually be. When there is no experience of experiencing such sensations, it can be quite difficult to notice them for the first time. They perfectly "disguise" themselves as fermentation of gases in the intestines. Sometimes a woman does not even realize that she actually feels the movements, she simply does not identify them as such. Often these sensations are described as a light delicate touch from the inside (feather, fish, butterfly). But no verbal descriptions can convey all the nuances of this sensation. During the second, third or subsequent pregnancy, a woman already distinguishes movements from gases and rumbling in the stomach. That is why she begins to feel them earlier – at 16-17 weeks, and sometimes even earlier – at 14-15 weeks. Experience is the best identifier. However, it is not only about the experience of experiencing movements earlier. During repeated pregnancies, the walls of the uterus are more elastic, stretched, so babies are able to “get through” to their mother faster.

Build and constitution

The uterine walls are not sensitive in and of themselves. The peritoneal nerve endings transmit a signal to the woman’s brain informing it of the movement inside. It is evident that the receptors will receive the desired signal much later if there is a sufficient layer of subcutaneous fat. For this reason, compared to pregnant women who are thin and slender, obese or overweight women feel the fetus move later. The size of the pelvis is another important factor. The fetus moves more quickly in women with narrow pelvises than it does in those with wide pelvises.

Activity and daily routine

A woman is more likely to feel the fetus move earlier if she stays at home and enjoys her "interesting position" than if she moves around a lot, works, goes to university, etc. An expectant mother finds it harder to pay attention to her feelings during the day the more active her lifestyle is. However, the baby might definitely make an appearance in the evenings when the expectant mother, after a long day, finally lies down. Some report feeling their baby for the first time at night.

Features of the position of the fetus

Naturally, the baby’s position within the mother’s womb affects things. Should the placenta be attached to the back wall, as is typically the case, the woman will be able to feel the movements of her arms and legs earlier because they will be directed to the side or the anterior abdominal wall. The fetus’s limb movements will be directed toward the intestines if the "baby’s place" is along the front wall of the woman’s reproductive organ, and it will take longer to feel them until the baby is large enough.

Fetal temperament and other conditions

It may seem unbelievable, but infants born between 18 and 20 weeks gestation already have quite distinct personalities. While some people are more active, others nap for the majority of the day. If there are no movements, it could mean that a placid, phlegmatic, or melancholic person is developing inside of you. This person won’t be very active even after birth, at least not right away. The weather has an impact on babies’ activity levels as well; on sunny days, babies are more active than on rainy or snowy ones.

Expert obstetricians advise women to talk to their infants, touch their abdomens more frequently, address them gently, and persuade them to move in response to their pleas. Even though he hasn’t heard his mother’s voice yet, he can already feel the vibrations of her voice because, you know, reptiles can hear. A baby can tell the difference between a happy and unhappy mommy mood with ease.

Communicating with the baby is beneficial at any point in the pregnancy, from the very beginning to the night before delivery.

It is incorrect to assume that the initial movement signifies the start of consistent, observable movements. By the 28th week of pregnancy, the baby’s kicks and movements will become regular, but for the time being, you shouldn’t worry if the baby makes himself known once and then stops for a day or two. Children can move up to 300 times a day during this stage of pregnancy, but the expectant mother can only feel a small portion of these movements—usually 1-2 movements per day, in small episodes.

It is normal to be concerned about the baby’s movements at 17–20 weeks of pregnancy. Since the baby is still small at this point, its movements may not be frequent or intense enough for you to feel every kick or shift. For expectant mothers who are eager to feel more reassured by fetal movement, this phase can be especially unsettling.

It’s important to keep in mind that changes in movement can sometimes be normal and don’t always mean that something is wrong. It’s always a good idea to speak with your healthcare provider, though, if you notice a sudden or significant decrease in your range of motion. They are able to check on the infant and give you peace of mind about their wellbeing.

It’s essential to keep track of your prenatal appointments and heed your doctor’s advice in order to monitor the health of both you and your unborn child. Maintaining a healthy pregnancy and promptly addressing any concerns can be achieved by being proactive and well-informed.

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