Just Gas Bubbles or Baby Moving

Remember the first time we feel the baby moved?  I cannot remember it but often think about it as I am a new mom. But when time comes, how do I know that it is just gas bubbles or baby moves.

Usually, pregnant women start to feel the baby making movements in 16 to 18 weeks of pregnancy.  The feeling of a baby moving is not the same for every woman, which makes it difficult for a woman to know if the feeling is gas bubbles moving through the body or is the baby moving instead. It is easier to tell if it is the baby moving later during pregnancy, when the baby is kicking and punching, but is easily confused with gas bubbles when the baby starts moving. 

First, check the time of the pregnancy. Most women begin to feel the first movements around 18 to 22 weeks. The feelings can start as soon as 15 or 16 weeks, but this is less common for most women. If it is earlier than 15 weeks, the feeling is not likely the baby.

Next thing is pay attention to first is how often the feelings occur. If the feelings are almost constant, it is the baby moving. If the feelings are few and far between, it is likely gas bubbles. Gas bubbles are few and far between rather than constant or often, but an active baby might move and stretch almost constantly.

Now, consider the feeling. The first movements of the baby we can feel and gas bubbles often feel similar. If it looks like the feelings are similar to a butterfly in the tummy feeling, it is likely the baby rather than gas.

Note : A smaller woman will feel the baby moving sooner than a larger woman. Women that feel the baby around 16 weeks are usually small while women that feel the baby later are usually larger (or bigger) Also, try to check where the feeling comes from. If the feeling is always in the same area, such as by the left rib, it is the baby. Gas bubbles will always move while going through the system, but a baby's movement will remain in the same place.

Lastly, you should pay attention to whether gas is passed shortly afterward or not. If gas is not passed after a short time, it is the baby moving. Gas bubbles will finally pass out of the system, but a baby's movements will not.

Though I am looking forward to the first movement of the baby, I am also hoping he or she will not call my attention by the uppercut too often. Be good!