In this article:
Why Do Babies Move More at Certain Times of the Day?
Your baby has their own schedule to follow when they are in the womb. It is the same as when you have active and resting periods, and so does your baby.
The movements may appear different during scans due to the following reasons.
- Babies sleep for 20–40 minutes at a time
- Their active periods often increase after you eat
- The womb becomes more comfortable and familiar as pregnancy progresses
How Does Baby’s Growth Stage Affect Movement on Scans?
Your baby’s movement patterns change every week. It means the stage of your pregnancy decides how much movement is visible.
First Trimester (0–12 weeks)
Your baby is tiny at this stage, measuring only about 3–5 cm by week 10. The movements start, but they are too small for you to feel. You may only see sudden jumps or wiggles on scans, but these can be for a very short time.Second Trimester (13–27 weeks)
The movements get stronger by this time, as they weigh almost 300 grams by week 20. Their kicks are also visible on the scan. They follow active and resting phases.Third Trimester (28–40 weeks)
Your baby weighs between 2.5 and 3 kg by now. The space in the womb may feel tight, so kicks may feel strong, even if they look small.Does the Position of the Baby Change What You See on the Scan?
Baby's position is one of the biggest reasons movements look different every time.
- Movements may be harder to see if your baby is facing your spine
- Kicks may appear lower or less visible if they are in a breech position
- Movements may be gentle and small if your baby tucks their legs toward their chest
Can the Amount of Amniotic Fluid Change Movement Visibility?
Amniotic fluid in the womb acts like a cushion and also affects the visibility of movements.
- Normal fluid levels allow smooth, visible movement
- Low fluid (oligohydramnios) may look limited on scans
- High fluid (polyhydramnios) can make movements look bigger or more dramatic
Does the Mother’s Body Affect How Baby Movements Look on Scans?
Your body structure can influence visibility due to the following factors:
- An anterior placenta (front of the uterus) softens baby's movements
- More layers can make movements appear gentler on the scan
- Small differences in your uterine shape can slightly affect visibility
Why Do Babies Sometimes “Stay Still” During Ultrasounds?
It is natural to worry when you see your baby still during a scan, but this is normal because of the reasons listed below:
- Your baby is sleeping (most babies sleep 80–90% of the time)
- The womb feels warm and comfortable
- You have not eaten recently
- The ultrasound gel is soothing and may make the baby relax
When Should You Worry About Baby Movements?
Most situations are completely normal, but discuss the following ones with your doctor:
- You feel reduced movement for more than 2 hours
- Movements suddenly feel very weak
- Your instincts tell you something feels different
What Can You Do Before a Scan to Improve Movement Visibility?
You can try a few steps to encourage them to move.
- Eat a small snack 20–30 minutes before the scan
- Drink a glass of water
- Walk for a few minutes before entering the scan room
- Gently tap your belly if the baby seems sleepy
Checklist: What Should You Observe About Baby Movement?
- Notice when your baby is usually active
- Track patterns rather than counting the kicks
- Check for major sudden changes in movement
- Visit the hospital if you feel something unusual
- Some changes are normal, so try to remain calm during a scan
Emotional and Social Aspects: How Do These Variations Affect You?
Seeing little or no movement in a scan can make you anxious when all you want to see is your baby in action. You can talk about any concerns you have with your loved ones. Communicating your feelings can help them give you the emotional support you need at such times. Remember that your baby has their own personality and their movement patterns are part of their development.
Baby movements on scans appear differently many times because of many reasons. You cannot control them at all, as they depend on your baby’s sleep cycles, growth stage, body position, amniotic fluid levels, and sometimes, your own body structure. The important thing is to feel the movements regularly, not just on scans. So, go to these scans without any fear if you feel your baby move daily.
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FAQs on Why Baby Movements Show Up at Different Times on Scans?
- Why does my baby move a lot at home but not during the scan?
Your baby may be in a calm position or sleeping during the scan, which is not a cause for concern in most cases. - When should I get worried about reduced baby movements?
Little to no movement for more than 2 hours is concerning, and you should visit the hospital right away to get it checked. - Can eating before a scan help the baby move more?
A light snack before the scan can make your baby active, so the movements will be more visible.
