It’s funny the things that stick with you from pregnancy, and I was just remembering the focus on fetal movement and kick counts. I see posts about it from time to time and it always takes me right back to being pregnant with my son, who is now 9!
I remember feeling a lot of pressure to identify a perfect, clockwork ‘pattern.’ With my first, James, he was like a little kickboxer in there, and his movements were pretty strong and predictable. But with my daughter, Willow (now 5), she was a completely different story. She was more of a roller and a shifter, with much gentler movements. If I had tried to hold her to the same standard as her brother, I would have been a nervous wreck the entire third trimester.
My practical advice, looking back, is to try to tune into your baby’s unique rhythm rather than a one-size-fits-all rule. The goal is to notice a significant deviation from their normal, not to compare them to a chart or even to a previous pregnancy. Of course, you should always, always call your doctor or midwife if you ever feel genuinely concerned—that’s what they are there for! But I also found that taking a moment to lie down, have a cold drink, and just focus quietly usually gave me the reassurance I needed without spiraling into anxiety.
Did anyone else have wildly different experiences with their kids’ movements in utero? It’s amazing how their little personalities seem to show through so early on.