Most pregnancies are different, and some mothers may feel their baby move before others. This is often the case in women who have already had children; who are sometimes able to feel their baby move as early as sixteen weeks into the pregnancy. For first time mothers, on the other hand, baby movement may not be felt until after twenty weeks. At 28 weeks pregnant, baby movement will likely be apparent for most women, this article will detail what to expect at this stage of your pregnancy.

Your Baby at Week 28

At 28 weeks of pregnancy, your baby’s body is fully developed and should have a strong heartbeat that is audible when one places their ear against the bump. Their brain, however, is still undergoing development, but it is very much active. Your baby weighs around 2 and a half pounds, and is roughly 38 centimeters in diameter. Although your child’s body is fully formed at 28 weeks, they will still pack on a few pounds before they are born.

Watch this video to see 28 weeks pregnant baby movement.

How Often Should I Be Feeling My Baby Move at 28 Weeks?

At 28 weeks into a pregnancy, the third trimester begins. It is at this time that it is suggested to mothers that they should begin to note down and record the movements of their baby. It is important to remember that there is no specific rule to state exactly how much a baby should be moving, and all pregnancies will likely be different, if only slightly, so what one person experiences may not necessarily be relatable to you. That being said, when you are 28 weeks pregnant, baby movement should form a pattern; the most common being restful in the morning, and active in the evenings.

Fetal Movement

Fetal movements, as mentioned, can be felt as early as 16 weeks by some mothers. Most women can detect them by 20 weeks. The most active period for fetal movement is between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. Fetal movements include stretching, kicking, thrusting, and rolling over. The fetus may also move if startled.

Patterns of Activity

A pattern to fetal movement and activity should generally form around 28 weeks into pregnancy. It is important at this time to note when your baby is active, so as to spot any irregularities if they were to occur. Activity levels can also be affected by the mother’s blood sugar level, and may increase after eating or consumption of sugary products.

Kick Counts

To monitor your baby’s activity within the uterus, you can count the number of times you feel your baby move in the space of an hour. Alternatively, you can count how long it takes for you to feel your child move a set amount of times.

FAQs on Baby’s Movement

Here gives answers to the most frequent asked questions about the baby movement at 28 weeks, check to see what concerns you the most.

Why Are Baby Movements Important?

Baby movements are a sign of a healthy, active baby. If your baby is moving less than usual, it may be a sign of health issue, which means it would become imperative that you contact the midwife, so as to assess the situation and determine the cause for the drop in activity.

What Can Cause My Baby to Move Less?

What the mother consumes can have an effect on their baby’s movements. Pain killers and other medications may enter into the fetus’s circulation and affect activity levels, as can cigarettes and alcohol. Another reason may be a health complication with the baby, such as an illness, or in rarer cases, a condition that affects the nerves and/or muscles responsible for movement.

What Should I Do If I Feel My Baby’s Movements Are Reduced or Changed?

Less Than 24 Weeks Pregnant

If you have not felt your baby move by this stage of pregnancy, you should arrange a meeting with your midwife to ensure the baby is in good health and to check for a heartbeat. An ultrasound can help to determine the health of your child, or a specialist can evaluate you to determine the wellbeing of your baby.

Between 24 Weeks and 28 Weeks Pregnant

If you notice a drop in fetal activity at this stage, then you should contact your midwife, and arrange a full check up to ensure the health and prosperity of your child.

Over 28 Weeks Pregnant

As mentioned, at 28 weeks pregnant, baby movement should have formed a routine. If your child’s activity slows, you should make it imperative to meet with your midwife as soon as possible. Do not wait until the next day, if you can. You will likely undergo tests, including checking the baby’s heartbeat, checking the size of your uterus to ensure it is not smaller than it should be at this stage, an ultrasound, as well as signs that may indicate the danger of a still birth.