The first time you feel your little one kick is purely magical. The second time feels even better. The twentieth and hundredth times you feel your baby kick feel a little different, especially when it’s your bladder being kicked. You feel the baby move for the first time, and it’s magical — until it’s more frequent, it happens all night long, you can’t sleep, and your internal organs feel like punching bags for your baby. They gain great pleasure from popping you when you least expect it, especially on your bladder when there is no restroom in sight. Why do they do that? Are they strong enough to kick through your bladder? What does it mean when your baby is kicking your bladder?
The baby is cushioned inside the uterus and can’t harm your bladder. The baby wouldn’t kick so hard as to affect bladder function or cause urine loss; however, the weight of the uterus over the pelvic floor can cause urine loss in later pregnancy, so it’s important to do Kegel exercises every day. According to the American Pregnancy Association, during week 35 of pregnancy, your baby will have settled deeper into your pelvis and increased the pressure to your bladder. And because your baby has grown so much, you may notice a change in their movements as there is less room to move around. However, this does not mean you will not feel your baby move, your baby’s kicking pattern should stay about the same.
Mothers-to-be who participate in relaxation exercises, such as meditation or yoga, may find their babies are quieter.
First-time mothers-to-be usually recognize their baby’s movements late in the second trimester. This can be as late as week 24 of pregnancy. Your baby has been moving long before that. But because the sensation is unfamiliar, you might not recognize it for what it is. A baby’s movements aren’t very strong in the earlier stages of pregnancy – some mothers think they just have passed gas!
Women having their second or subsequent baby usually recognize the ‘flutters’ of their baby’s movement much earlier – even as early as 12 weeks.
Usually, babies tend to move mostly in response to what is happening in their environment. Too much noise, light, or even certain strong foods can stimulate your baby into kicking and moving. Babies also need to stretch and move for relaxation, and it is healthy for them to move around. If you’re moving about, it can be soothing for your baby, they will often relax and even go to sleep.
Mothers-to-be who participate in relaxation exercises, such as meditation or yoga, may find their babies are quieter.
Studies found pregnant women undertaking a guided imagery relaxation exercise experienced a reduction in fetal movements. The exercise resulted in physiological signs of relaxation in the mother, such as lowered heart rate, respiration rate, and skin conductance. This in turn lowered fetal heart rates and decreased movements of babies.
If your baby is kicking your bladder or punching you from the inside out, it may be helpful to use these tips:
- Meditate
As mentioned above, the more you relax the more the baby relaxes. Incorporating meditation into your routine can work wonders for quieting baby even before his/her arrival!
- Soothing music
Listening to soothing music is also shown to calm baby. You can either listen to it regularly or place headphones on your stomach so baby can absorb the vibrations.
- Warm tea with honey
Drinking or eating something calming can have a positively relaxing effect on baby. Whether it be oatmeal cookies, toast with butter, or soothing tea, make sure it is a food your body can tolerate and digest well.
- Yoga
Similar to meditating, the more relaxed you are, the more relaxed baby is. Stretching and dedicating yourself to ensuring your body is tension-free will help baby relax and settle inside.
- Singing
Many mothers find that singing to their future bundles of joy helps them settle. In some cases, it can make the baby more excited–make sure to pick a calming tune and use a soothing voice.
