HRC Fertility’s Dr. Sharrón Manuel, MD, PhD, was recently featured in The Bump in an article exploring a common question among expectant parents: What does it mean when a baby is especially active in the womb?
The article, “What Does a Super Active Baby in the Womb Mean?”, looks at fetal movement during pregnancy, why some babies seem more active than others, and when changes in movement may warrant a conversation with a healthcare provider.
Is a Very Active Baby a Cause for Concern?
Feeling a baby kick, stretch and move can be an exciting part of pregnancy, but particularly active periods can also leave expectant parents wondering whether all that movement is normal.
Dr. Manuel, an OB-GYN and reproductive endocrinologist with HRC Fertility in Pasadena, explains that there can be a wide range of normal fetal activity.
“Just as every newborn has a unique personality, babies in the womb also have different activity levels. A very active baby is usually a healthy baby.”
Dr. Manuel also notes that temporary increases in activity are common during pregnancy and that an isolated episode of increased movement typically isn’t a sign of a problem.
Rather than focusing on whether a baby is moving “too much,” it is more important for expectant parents to become familiar with their baby’s usual pattern of activity.
Why Are Some Babies More Active in the Womb?
According to The Bump, several factors can influence fetal activity. Some babies simply appear to be more energetic than others, while movement may also change based on the mother’s activity, diet, time of day and external stimuli such as sounds.
As pregnancy progresses, fetal movements can become increasingly noticeable. Early movements may feel like flutters or bubbles before eventually developing into more recognizable kicks, stretches, turns and somersaults.
These movements are also an important part of development. While in the womb, babies practice movements and behaviors that help prepare them for life after birth, including swallowing and breathing movements.
Pay Attention to Your Baby’s Normal Movement Pattern
One of Dr. Manuel’s most important points is that expectant parents should pay attention to changes in their baby’s individual movement pattern, rather than comparing their baby’s activity with someone else’s pregnancy.
A significant change from what is normal for your baby can be more important than how active the baby is overall.
Dr. Manuel recommends contacting your healthcare provider if:
- Your baby’s movement pattern changes significantly from what is normal for them
- A period of increased movement is followed by a drastic decrease in activity
- You are having difficulty feeling your baby move
- You have concerns about fetal movement, even if you’re unsure whether something is abnormal
- Changes in movement occur along with symptoms such as vaginal bleeding, leaking fluid, contractions, severe abdominal pain, severe headache or changes in vision
Trust Your Instincts and Ask Questions
Pregnancy comes with many new sensations, and it isn’t always easy to determine what’s normal. Dr. Manuel encourages patients to pay attention to their baby’s established patterns and contact their healthcare provider whenever something feels different or concerning.
“The most important advice is to trust your instincts. You know baby’s patterns better than anyone, [so] if something feels different or concerning, don’t hesitate to call your provider.”
Dr. Manuel’s comments in The Bump reinforce an important message for expectant parents: fetal activity can vary considerably from one baby to another, and an active baby is generally not a reason for concern. What matters most is becoming familiar with your baby’s typical movement patterns and communicating with your healthcare provider when you notice a meaningful change.
Read the full article on The Bump to learn more about fetal movement during pregnancy and Dr. Manuel’s expert perspective.