How Do Tiny Foetal Movements Affect Hormones in Your Body?

BySamradni Pradhan
Updated: 31 Oct 2025, 10:00 am

Any baby movement may feel adorable, but they are more than a tiny gesture. These kicks and stretches are also called quickening, which triggers your vital hormone changes in your body. They can affect your mood, bloating and also how you feel physically. Understanding how these early foetal movements affect you can help you build a bond with your baby. You can also stay alert and watch out for alarming signs to seek medical help during pregnancy.

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You may never forget the first time you feel your baby move in the womb. You may not even think much about it, other than it being a heartwarming gesture from your baby. However, these small baby wiggles or kicks may lead to hormonal changes in your body. Yes, they can influence how you feel, how you digest food, how you sleep, and your immune response. When you know the reasons for these changes, you can take care of your health better during pregnancy.

What Are Foetal Movements and When Do You Feel Them?

Your baby gives signs of its presence by kicking or stretching in the womb. These foetal movements, called quickening, become more noticeable between the 16th and 25th weeks of pregnancy. They may feel like tiny flutters, bubbles or gentle taps in the beginning, but feel more pronounced as your baby gains strength.

Feeling your baby move is a critical sign of their development and shows that they are doing well. Your body reacts to these movements by releasing hormones, such as oxytocin, dopamine, and endorphins. It shows that your baby is communicating with you, and your body responds to them almost invisibly.
In this article:

Which Hormones Are Affected by Baby’s Movements?

Your body responds to the movements by showing hormonal shifts.
  • Oxytocin is known as the bonding hormone. It helps you feel closer to your baby, and your body produces more of it as your baby moves. It can reduce stress and encourage bonding.
  • Endorphins are natural pain relievers which are released as your baby moves. They help you feel calm and happy.
  • Dopamine rises when you experience something positive and can boost your mood. You may also feel less anxious as you feel your baby move.
  • Cortisol helps your body prepare for labour. Foetal movements temporarily raise cortisol levels slightly.
The release of hormones in your body because of the foetal movements shows the invisible bond you share with your baby before their birth.

How Do These Hormones Affect Your Body?

The hormonal changes influence both your mind and body.
  • Emotional well-being: Oxytocin and dopamine improve your mood and reduce anxiety or mild pregnancy-related stress.
  • Physical readiness: Rise in cortisol and endorphins level prepare your body for labour and improves pain tolerance.
  • Immune system support: Some hormone changes help regulate your immune system to protect you and your baby.
  • Better sleep: Oxytocin also leads to relaxation, which makes it easier to rest even with a growing belly.
Your baby helps you adjust to pregnancy in a way through their tiny movements.

What Should You Expect As Baby Movements Increase?

You may notice your baby’s movements as they become predictable around the 28-week mark.
  • You may feel strong kicks, jabs, or rolling sensations.
  • Your baby may move in response to the sleep-wake cycle
  • The movements get more powerful but less frequent as you reach labour.
If you feel your baby move less when they are supposed to be active, it can be a warning sign. Consult your doctor immediately in such cases for reassurance of their well-being.

How Can You Support Hormonal Balance During Pregnancy?

You can enjoy your baby’s movement while also maintaining your hormone levels through the ways listed below.
  • Maintain a simple kick chart to log all your baby’s movements.
  • Choose a gentle activity for your body, like walking or prenatal yoga and do it regularly.
  • Practice deep breathing exercises, do meditation, or listen to soothing music for the natural hormone release.
  • Try to consume a balanced meal rich in essential nutrients to support your hormones.
  • Involve your partner to feel the baby’s movements. They can touch and talk, which can increase oxytocin for both of you.
  • Journaling about your baby’s movements or talking with other expectant mothers can improve your emotional health.

When Should You Contact Your Doctor?

Most foetal movements are normal except for the following ones.
  • Less than 10 movements in 2 hours during a period of usual activity.
  • Sudden stop in the baby’s movements.
  • Weak or slow movements that are irregular.
Trust your instincts in such cases and reach out to your doctor for guidance. Taking active measures can give you peace of mind and assure you of your baby’s health.

Practical Checklist: How to Monitor and React?

  • Track foetal movements daily (best after meals).
  • Note the time and type of movements.
  • Compare patterns week by week.
  • Encourage your partner to interact with the baby.
  • Maintain a calm and supportive environment for yourself.
These simple steps are enough to stay aware of your baby’s movement while also building an emotional connection before their birth.
The foetal movements are often tiny and quick, but they trigger a necessary chain of hormone reactions in your body. The hormones positively affect your mood, sleep and digestion during pregnancy. When you understand the meaning of these movements, you can take care of your emotional and physical health better for your baby.

Remember that every flutter, kick, or wiggle from your baby is a way of interaction and a sign of the incredible connection you both share.

Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.

FAQs on How Do Tiny Foetal Movements Affect Hormones in Your Body?

  1. How many foetal movements should I feel daily?
    A baby can move more than 10 times in an active period in the span of 2 hours, but patterns may vary, so keep a daily track.
  2. Why did my baby’s movements suddenly decrease?
    When you sleep or eat, the movement may decrease. However, if it continues to feel less throughout the day, consult your doctor at the earliest for a thorough checkup.
  3. Can my baby’s movements affect my stress or mood?
    The release of oxytocin and dopamine due to foetal movements may affect your mood and also reduce stress.
Disclaimer: Approved by Dr Seema Sharma, Associate Director - Department of Obestrics and Gynecology at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Chandigarh

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