How Do I Know the Baby Is Progressing Normally in the Womb?

Pregnancy is one of the most exciting and nervous times in a woman̵7;s life. Every mother worries throughout her pregnancy about whether the baby is progressing normally in the womb. After all, it̵7;s hard to know without being able to see her in your belly. Luckily, there are several things your doctor can do to check baby̵7;s development, as well as a few you can keep track of yourself at home.

  1. Measuring Your Belly

    • One sign that your baby is developing normally is continual growth. According to the Mayo Clinic, your doctor can gauge your baby̵7;s growth by measuring your abdomen from the top of your uterus to your pubic bone. This measurement in centimeters usually equals the number of weeks in your pregnancy. Doctors often begin taking these measurements in the second trimester.

    Weight Gain

    • Another way to measure your baby̵7;s growth is through weight gain. If the mother isn̵7;t gaining weight appropriately, the baby usually isn̵7;t either. Like it or not, your baby̵7;s growth and development depends on his mom̵7;s weight gain. It̵7;s normal to gain between 25 and 35 pounds while you̵7;re pregnant. The Mayo Clinic recommends a gain of just a few pounds during the first trimester, and then 3 to 4 pounds per month until delivery.

    Fetal Heartbeat

    • Near the end of the first trimester, according to the Mayo Clinic, you should be able to hear your baby̵7;s heartbeat when your doctor uses a small device called a Doppler, which bounces sound waves off your baby̵7;s heart. According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, a normal fetal heart rate is between 110 and 160 beats per minute, and this is one of the best signs of a healthy baby. You can also purchase a fetal heart monitor to keep track of baby̵7;s heart rate at home or while traveling.

    Baby Movements

    • Somewhere around 20 weeks, you should begin to feel flutters in your belly, which are actually kicks or movements by the baby. Fetal movement is one indicator of fetal health. The average number of movements, or kicks, is 4 to 6 per hour, according to the Children̵7;s Hospital of Wisconsin. Most babies tend to be more active in the evening hours or after the woman eats.

    Ultrasound

    • An ultrasound is much more than just your baby̵7;s first photo op. It can help your doctor determine a great deal about your baby̵7;s growth and development. Many doctors perform ultrasounds at the first pregnancy appointment to measure the fetal egg sac. Around 20 weeks, women should undergo a detailed ultrasound to measure bones, check internal organs, and determine the sex, if you chose to find out.

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