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When Do Fetal Movements Begin?
For most expecting mothers, fetal movements start to be felt between 18 to 25 weeks of pregnancy. If this is your first pregnancy, it may take a bit longer to recognize them. These first flutters — often described as butterflies or gentle tapping — mark a beautiful new phase of connection between mother and baby.
At Dr. Richa Gangwar’s pregnancy care clinic in Lucknow, we encourage mothers to track these movements as part of routine bonding and wellbeing checks.
What Do Fetal Movements Feel Like?
In the early stages, fetal movements feel light — almost like bubbles, gas, or gentle twitches. As your pregnancy progresses, the movements become stronger and more distinct. You may feel:
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Kicks
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Rolls
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Stretches
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Hiccups
These movements not only reassure you that your baby is growing, but also help the baby’s muscles and joints develop properly.
Why Babies Move Inside the Womb
Fetal movements are a healthy sign of neurological and muscular development. The baby’s kicks and stretches are more than just random — they are essential exercises that prepare the body for birth.
Movement patterns also reflect your baby’s sleep and wake cycles, response to external sounds, and even emotional cues — which brings us to one of the most magical aspects of pregnancy: the baby’s response to your voice.
Can Babies Hear and Respond to Voices?
Yes, babies begin to hear sounds from around 18 weeks, and by 24–28 weeks, they can distinguish voices and environmental sounds. The womb is not silent — your baby hears:
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Your heartbeat
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Blood flow
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Digestive sounds
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Most importantly, your voice
Studies show that babies respond more strongly to the mother’s voice than to other sounds, especially when it is spoken calmly or sung.
The Mother’s Voice: A Bond Like No Other
Your voice is the first emotional anchor your baby will know. It provides rhythm, familiarity, and safety. When you speak, sing, or even hum, your baby not only hears the sound but feels the vibrations through your body. This creates a multi-sensory experience that fosters trust and calmness.
At Dr. Richa Gangwar’s maternity clinic, we often integrate aspects of Garbha Sanskar, the ancient Indian wisdom of speaking lovingly to your baby, using music, affirmations, and storytelling to strengthen the womb bond.
Encouraging Fetal Bonding Through Voice
You don’t need to be a singer or a storyteller — your natural voice is enough. Some ways to foster bonding include:
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Reading a short story aloud every night
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Talking to your baby while rubbing your belly
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Singing lullabies or soft devotional songs
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Practicing deep breathing and gentle mantras with intent and emotion
Your baby will learn your voice and even show increased movement or stillness in response. Some babies kick more when they hear familiar voices; others become calm and restful — both are signs of healthy bonding.
What if the Baby Isn’t Moving Much?
While every baby has their own movement pattern, a sudden drop in movement or prolonged stillness after 28 weeks should not be ignored. Try drinking a glass of water, lying on your side, and speaking to your baby.
If there’s still no response after some time, please contact your gynaecologist immediately.
At our clinic, we monitor fetal wellbeing through kick counts, scans, and gentle counselling to help mothers stay informed and reassured.
Final Thoughts: Emotional Connection Starts in the Womb
The bond between mother and baby begins long before birth — in the sounds, movements, and emotional energy shared during pregnancy. Your voice, your presence, and your calmness become your baby’s first sense of home.
At Dr. Richa Gangwar’s maternity and Garbha Sanskar clinic in Lucknow, we honor this connection by combining science and tradition, giving you tools to nurture not just your baby’s body — but their soul.
