Experience of recognising movement pattern

[Keha]

Hiya,

I'm nearly 23 weeks and am feeling plenty of movement and get it a few times everyday. However at the moment it feels very random, no obvious pattern or trigger. Sometimes it's when I eat but not always. I've read about trying to know your baby's pattern of movement from 24 weeks onwards and the need to get help if movement stops or is much less. Did other people start to get a more recognisable pattern or regular number of kicks when they got a bit further on? I don't want to end of stressing about not knowing a clear pattern, but also want to know what to look out for, thanks!

I definitely felt like this earlier on that there was no real pattern, but I'm 35 weeks and there is a pattern now. Food usually sets my baby off (sugary food and drinks kicks off what feels like an aerobics class, especially chocolate!), but then its all very quiet when I go to bed and I've never been woken up by the movement. I also have an anterior placenta so not sure if that is making a difference (first baby).

You could try keeping a log, sometimes we are just so busy during the day that the baby is moving and we don't notice

I'm on my 3rd baby and honestly have never noticed an actual pattern... I think when they say pattern it isnt as such oh baby moves between such a time and such a time or when I eat this and that it's more I would say about knowing eventually that if your baby hasnt moved for so long that it isnt normal for you if that makes sence.

Of course some women will have a regular pattern and as PP has said sometimes we are so busy or preoccupied you dont really notice if baby has moved.

I'm nearly 28 weeks now.. only thing I have noticed is he has days where he doesnt stop literally all day (sure hes having a party) like kicks etc then other days I dont feel the kicks as such but u see him moving about and sticking bits out here and there. When you further along and baby is more active/bigger you will know yourself if he/she isnt moving properly xx

Mine likes to kick when I'm sat at my desk, and when I have a lie down in the evening (either if I have a cheeky half hour on the bed or when I do actually go to bed), but only if I lay on my back (which I know I shouldn't do). Amusingly (s)he stops as soon as DP puts his hand on my stomach.

Mine always kicked and wriggled more after food (Particularly sweet food) and cold drinks. That was the only pattern I had until 32 weeks when the baby has developed a routine. If in doubt download the nhs recommended kick count app from the app store and take a screenshot of the daily pattern of movements everyday - you will soon realise there is probably a pattern but you just haven’t noticed it

I didn’t really feel a pattern until 33 weeks. Even then I can’t say it was definite pattern.
I used to just take the time to feel her first thing, mid morning, lunchtime, tea time and bedtime.

I really struggled with the whole pattern thing last pregnancy, my daughter just never got into a decent one. She’d be highly active all day and the next day barely move. I ended up at the hospital several times as it used to worry me!

I’m 20 weeks this second pregnancy & I’ve been feeling movement for a good 4 weeks already. My partner can now feel baby kicking as well. She’s wriggly! I just make a little note on my notepad app on my phone if I’ve felt her, I pop the time down. It just helps me feel reassured as some days are so hectic with work & toddler that I barely get time to think about it!

Thanks everyone, it's useful to hear that there are quite a few different experiences - and not to worry if there is not an obvious pattern. I like the suggestion from @Yoohoo16 of just trying to notice after each meal - something to focus on. I'll have a look at that app and start trying to use it.

My midwife said that it is common to not notice a pattern of movements until around 27-28 weeks.

My movements also felt very random and tbh, still do at almost 31 weeks! He is just very active all the time really, with a few quiet moments every couple of hours (guessing he is napping and recharging his batteries!) x