You begin to experience fetal movements when you enter the 20 weeks pregnancy. These movements may be kicks, rolls, and even hiccups. As your baby grows, the movements will continue to grow stronger and become more frequent. They are signs that your baby is getting enough oxygen. However, there are expectant mothers who experience a different kind of movement which feels more like spasming or twitching. Can this be seizures?

Can Babies Have Seizures in Utero?

You have nothing to worry about if you experience these spasm-like movements. Your baby is not having seizures, nor is it an indication of a physical disability. Although they may not feel natural, these movements are normal and only indicate that your baby is growing in the womb.

Reasons Why Your Belly Shudders, Shakes or Vibrates

There are several reasons why your baby does these weird movements.

• Nervous Spasms – Your baby can have these nervous twitches because his/her nervous system is still developing. 
• Braxton Hicks – You could be experiencing this if you feel a hardness or contraction in your belly.
• Irritable Uterus – This is a condition in which is some expectant women get spasms in the uterus.
• Hiccups  – Your tiny one could be having hiccups in the womb; you could experience this in the form of shiver or vibrations.
• Umbilical Cord – Some theories suggest that these movements are caused by the umbilical cord being wrapped around the baby, and subsequently the fetus makes movements to try to shake it off.
• Stretching – As your baby continues to grow, it begins to get a bit cramped. So when he/she moves or stretches, the mother feels a vibration.

What Should I Do About the Baby Twitching in My Womb?

All you need to know is that the baby is fine even amidst these somewhat strange movements and vibrations that may cause you to ask the question "Can babies have seizures in utero?"

An ultrasound is the best way to put all those worries to rest. If you are feeling unwell, it is advisable to talk to your medical practitioner who will do a check to erase any doubt. Otherwise, do what you can to make yourself comfortable. Speak to your close friends and family, and know that they are there to support you.

You Are Not Alone

I experienced this with my second child. He would shake and vibrate so much that it got me scared. It was such a relief when I spoke with my ob-gyn, and she told me that there was nothing to worry about. Now he is here in perfect health, and he is almost two months old. I hope my experience will help ease some anxiety for an expectant mother out there.

It happened in my pregnancy too, and when I consulted with my doctor, he told me that as long as the baby moves regularly, he should be okay. My doctor said these spasms could happen in one area of the uterus, either left or right, or the whole uterus can spasm. The doctor said the question "Can babies have seizures in utero?" is quite common. He assured the movements are all normal although they are far from being comfortable! Just one more thing an expectant mother has to deal with!

When Should I Contact My Healthcare Provider?

A spasm-like sensation in the womb is not worrisome, but there are certain conditions that do indicate serious problems. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:

• Your baby doesn’t start to move in response to noise or any other stimulus after 20 weeks.
• Your baby doesn’t move at least 10 times in a period of two hours.
• You experience a headache for 24 hours.
• Your belly is tender when you press it.
• You spot tiny red dots on your skin.
• You notice an unusual swelling on the skin around your hands, eyes, and feet.

If you notice that your baby’s movements have decreased significantly, it could be a sign that he/she is not getting sufficient oxygen and nutrients through the placenta. In such cases, please contact your doctor immediately for further advice or checkup.

Your doctor can monitor the baby’s heartbeat, and a scan can be performed to determine the baby’s size and the amount of amniotic fluid surrounding him/her. If concerns are noted, a special scanning machine can be used to check the blood flow to and from your baby. This should help stop the anxiety besides the question "Can babies have seizures in utero?"

Seek immediate medical attention if:

• There is no fetal movement for more than 12 hours.
• You experience heavy vaginal bleeding.
• You have a severe headache and your vision is blurred.
• You have trouble breathing and are vomiting.
• You have a seizure.
• You are feeling a constant cramping pain in your abdomen.