18w5d Lazy Baby or Paranoid Mommy?

I’ve been feeling a little paranoid lately because according to many friends and online sources, I should be able to feel Baby Z kicking or moving by now.  But for the life of me, I can’t tell if Baby Z is moving or not!

According to this article from Baby Center:

You should feel your baby’s first movements, called “quickening,” between weeks 16 and 22 of your pregnancy, even though he started moving at 7 or 8 weeks. Women have described the sensation as being like popcorn popping, a goldfish swimming around, or butterflies fluttering. You’ll probably chalk up those first gentle taps or swishes in your belly to gas or hunger pains, but once you start feeling them more regularly, you’ll recognize the difference. You’re more likely to feel these early movements when you’re sitting or lying quietly.

So I THINK I’ve been experiencing movement – but certainly nothing as cute and nice as “butterflies fluttering” or “gentle taps.”  More like a ball sloshing around in my belly once in a while – and it feels a little uncomfortable.  Honestly, sometimes I can’t tell if he’s moving or if I’m just constipated.   Does that make me a bad mother already?

Help!  Am I being too paranoid that Baby Z is not growing and moving at a normal pace?  Maybe he just takes after his old man and is always sleepy?  It’s dark and cozy and there’s a cord that brings food directly into your belly – why move if you don’t have to, right?

Sigh.  I can’t wait until our next OB visit in a week.

One response

  1. I’m 18w6d also and the headaches are awful. I feel your pain. I’ve been feeling a lot of movement these past couple of days so I’m sure you will soon also. When I eat fruit or anything more sugary I can tell. Good luck with the remainder of you pregnancy!

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