For most first time mums in Kenya, waiting to feel the baby move is always a mix of anxiety and excitement. It is common to find them having a countdown to the eighteenth week or a few weeks later to experience the first kick. Typically, the movements become frequent and intense from the twenty-eighth week giving you a chance to monitor them. Keeping track of your baby’s movement is important to make sure they are regular, a sign that your baby is growing well.
Monitoring foetal movement can be done using mobile apps but you can also choose to count then manually and keep a written record. Some of the things that Kenyan mums need to have in mind when tracking movements of their unborn baby include:
Decrease of movements – When your baby’s movements become irregular, reduce or even stop altogether, it is an indication that all is not well. In most cases, they may be asleep or a bit quiet and are quickly stirred up when you start moving or lie on your side. However, if any of the usual triggers fail to make them move, it is advisable to contact your doctor immediately.
Increase of movements – If you notice an unusual increase in movement of your unborn baby, it may be due to excessive intake of caffeine drinks or sugar and they soon settle to their normal routine. However, if the movements continue to increase it may be that the baby is distressed and may need medical intervention to survive.
