Questions in the Maternal and Child Health Forum have been answered by doctors from Henry Ford Health System.

Question Title: feeling movement?

Forum: The Maternal and Child Health Forum
Topic: Pregnancy - Normal


I am currently pregnant with my third child, other pregancies were uncomplicated and normal. I am about
eight weeks pregnant, according to my last period which was on June 14. I think I am already feeling the
baby flip around and kick. I had my husband feel my stomach and he felt a prominent kick also. I was pretty
sure that I know what a kick feels like, I have not seen my OB/GYN yet, but am scheduled to see her in 2
weeks. Is this possible to feel movement already? My great-grandmother had twins, could this be it? I
am very confused and concerned.
an

Dear Tiffany:
Women who have already experienced pregnancy notice body changes much more acutely than do women having their first baby.
At 8 weeks pregnant, the embryo does not have arms and legs: there are only limb buds. The embryo itself is less than 2 inches in length; the embryo sac has barefuly filled the cavity of the uterus that thas a wall far thicker than the size of the embryo. Thus, I do not believe you are feeling "kicks". Indeed, the recognition of fetal movement at 18-22 weeks' gestation was such a reliable sign that the obstetricians of the last generation used this as one of the milestones to help them date pregnancy.

The most likely source of these sensations at this early state in pregnancy is bowel contactions. A second possibility is "spasm" of the muscles in the abdominal wall.

Keywords: fetal movements

This information is provided for general education purposes only and is not a medical consultation. If you have specific questions, please contact your physician.


 

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