Is it normal for the second baby to have stronger fetal movements than the first? Why is the second baby's fetal movement stronger than the first?

We all know that during pregnancy, the fetus will move inside the mother's belly, which will produce fetal movement. Fetal movement is a rather strange feeling. It will have different feelings and different frequencies at different times. Sometimes it will be more frequent, and sometimes it will be weaker. So is it normal for the second child to have stronger fetal movement than the first? Let's take a closer look below!

Is it normal for the second baby to move more than the first?

It is generally normal for the second baby to move more than the first baby. This is because:

1. Individual differences among fetuses

No matter it is the first or second baby, their development in the expectant mother’s belly is different. Some babies are very active, while others may be lazier.

2. The ability of expectant mothers to perceive fetal movements

When pregnant with their first child, many expectant mothers do not know what fetal movement feels like. However, when pregnant with their second child, the expectant mother has already had this experience and may be more sensitive to fetal movement.

3. Fetal factors

Expectant mothers may feel that the second baby moves more than the first baby. This may also be due to the body positions and postures of the two babies, or the different amounts of amniotic fluid, different positions of the placenta, etc.

In short, it is generally normal for the second baby to move more than the first baby. Expectant mothers do not need to worry too much. Remember to have regular prenatal checkups and eat a balanced diet.

How long does it take to feel fetal movement during pregnancy?

According to medical statistics, most pregnant mothers feel the first fetal movement in the late fourth month of pregnancy. Of course, some mothers feel it earlier, but the number is not very large.

First-time mothers are different from second-time mothers. First-time mothers have less experience and mostly rely on other people’s descriptions of fetal movements, without having a real feeling. Even if there is fetal movement, they may mistake it for their appetite or normal intestinal peristalsis and miss it. Second-time mothers are different. Having experienced pregnancy once, they can clearly distinguish between fetal movement and intestinal peristalsis.

Some mothers are more sensitive and can feel any movement in their body at the first time. The same is true for fetal movement. Mothers can feel it when the baby moves slightly in the mother's belly. However, some mothers with slower perception need the baby to use more force to be aware of it.

Fetal movements throughout pregnancy

1. Early pregnancy

Fetal movements in early pregnancy can usually only be observed through B-ultrasound. There are small fluctuations in the 9th week of pregnancy, relatively large fluctuations in the 9th to 11th week of pregnancy, and stronger and larger fluctuations in the 13th to 15th week of pregnancy. The most frequent periods of fetal movement are from 7 to 9 pm and from 11 pm to early morning.

2. Second trimester

From the 18th week of pregnancy, pregnant mothers can feel fetal movement. The fetal movement is quite diverse, whole body movement or single limb movement. For example: turning the head, turning the feet, stretching, opening the mouth, kicking, yawning, sucking, swallowing, etc.

At the beginning, the fetal movement is very slight, just like being gently scraped by a feather. If you are not careful, you can hardly feel it. As the pregnancy progresses, the fetal movement becomes more frequent and stronger.

However, pregnant mothers should pay attention to not touching their stomachs frequently, as this will stimulate the uterus and easily cause miscarriage. It will also easily affect the mood of the fetus.

3. Late pregnancy (28 weeks to 40 weeks)

You can start counting fetal movements after 28 weeks of pregnancy. Generally, count once in the morning, noon and evening. Continuous movements are counted as one fetal movement. Some mothers find that the fetal movement is continuous and think that the fetal movement is too frequent. In fact, it is not. No matter how many consecutive movements, they are counted as one. If the fetal movement is not less than 3 times each time, it is normal. If the fetal movement is too much or too little, you should pay special attention. If the fetal movement is abnormal, you must see a doctor immediately.