Is it normal for fetal movements to be not obvious at 18 weeks of pregnancy?
Mar 02, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Aiming
Introduction
It is generally normal for fetal movements to be not obvious at 18 weeks of pregnancy. Fetal movement refers to the baby's limb movements within the uterine cavity. Typically, first-time mothers begin to consciously feel fetal movements around 20 weeks of gestation, while women who have been pregnant before may perceive movements slightly earlier. The timing at which fetal movements are felt varies among pregnant women due to differences in abdominal wall thickness.
It is generally normal for fetal movements not to be obvious at 18 weeks of pregnancy.
Fetal movement refers to the baby's limb activity within the uterine cavity. Typically, first-time mothers begin to consciously feel fetal movements around 20 weeks of gestation, while women who have been pregnant before may perceive them slightly earlier. Since abdominal wall thickness varies among individuals, the timing of when fetal movements are felt can differ from person to person.
At 18 weeks of pregnancy, most women do not yet experience distinct fetal movements, which is considered a normal physiological phenomenon. If there are concerns about the fetus’s growth and development, prenatal examinations at a qualified hospital—such as ultrasound scans or non-invasive DNA testing—can help assess fetal heartbeat and screen for chromosomal abnormalities. Pregnant women with a history of miscarriage or embryonic arrest should actively undergo fetal heart auscultation and Doppler fetal heart monitoring to prevent adverse outcomes.
Pregnant women should attend regular prenatal checkups, maintain a positive mindset, and avoid excessive anxiety or stress, which could negatively affect fetal development.
