Thoughts on fetal movement

I was lucky enough to have the time to observe my baby's movements while she was still in my tummy. From 6 months onwards, hourly fetal movement count is important. This is how you can tell that your baby is OK when at home. When you are in the hospital, you can be connected to a fetal monitor and the baby’s heartbeat can be monitored.

Anyway, I want to tell you about my different reactions to these movements. At first, I felt gentle taps like small bubbles bursting inside my tummy. Then the movements became more distinct. I was shocked at times when I see my tummy bulge and move. It reminded me of a rat running under a carpet. Of course unlike a rat, I don't want to stamp out my baby. Other times, it was a bit scary when I feel that something is swimming inside of me. It was like I ate a live fish and I feel it anxious to get out. This feeling sometimes come with dizziness so I plead my baby to be gentle. When my baby was near its due and my tummy has grown its biggest, it felt painful when the baby kicks me in the bones. She can reach my ribs and at times my pelvic bones. Of course above all that, I felt happy because with the movements I know that my baby is OK. I talk to my baby and try to massage the part where the baby moved, to let her know that I feel her. It was also fun to see my tummy change shape whenever my baby moves to a different position. I could not place which was her head or foot but since I love my baby completely, it didn’t matter and she gets a pat from me on whatever part of her body that sticks out.