Kicks are a great tell-tale sign that your baby is fit and growing well. To start you could feel flutters then as your baby grows you could end up feeling kicks on both sides at same time. No matter what stage you are at in your pregnancy, feeling those movements gives you a glimpse of who has set up camp for 9 months.
Points to Remember
✓ Baby kicks are a good sign.
✓ They can be felt on both sides.
✓ There are practical ways to manage intense kicks.
✓ Knowing the causes can help you understand them better.
When Does the Dance Begin? ??
| Details | |
| Start of Baby Kicks | Between 16-24 weeks (later in first pregnancies) |
| Kick Frequency (28-32 weeks) | 10-12 per hour |
| Kick Frequency (33-36 weeks) | 8-10 per hour |
| Kick Frequency (37-40 weeks) | 6-8 per hour |
| First vs. Subsequent Pregnancies | Earlier, more frequent, and stronger in subsequent ones |
| Importance of Movements | Monitor baby’s health and well-being |
| Factors Influencing Movements | Time of day, mom’s activity, amniotic fluid |
| Movement Pattern | Changes based on baby’s sleep cycle and stage of pregnancy |
Most of us start feeling these baby jigs between 16 and 24 weeks. Speaking from experience, if it’s your first pregnancy, those little feet might keep you waiting till after 20 weeks. But hey, patience is the name of the game.
Average Baby Kicks by the Week ?
| Gestational age (weeks) | Average number of kicks per hour |
| 28-32 | 10-12 |
| 33-36 | 8-10 |
| 37-40 | 6-8 |
Mysteries of Fetal Movements ?
Comparing First and Subsequent Pregnancies
Been down this road before? Here’s what’s different
| Characteristic | First pregnancy | Subsequent pregnancies |
| Start to feel baby kicks | Later | Earlier |
| Number of kicks felt each day | Less | More |
| Strength of baby kicks | Weaker | Stronger |
These movements aren’t just cute; they’re crucial for monitoring baby’s health. They range from tiny flutters, often called ‘quickening’, to more defined kicks and rolls. The joyous game of ‘guess that limb’ is all part of the journey. While the playbook says most women feel movements between 18 and 25 weeks, some, like a few friends of mine, swear they felt it as early as 16 weeks.
Now, remember, every bub is unique. You’ll notice more action from week 26 up until 32 weeks. After that, they’ll still be grooving just as much, even if it feels a bit different.
» The Pattern: Just like us, babies have their rhythm. Depending on where they are in their sleep cycle, which can be from 20-40 minutes (sometimes even a snoozy 90 minutes!), the movements might vary.
» Factors Affecting the Jig: Baby’s dance schedule might depend on the time of day, your activity level, or even the amount of amniotic fluid. Funny enough, our nocturnal little ones tend to have their disco parties between 9 pm and 1 am.
» Late Pregnancy Grooves: You’d think with less room, there’d be fewer moves, right? Wrong! Even in the final stretch, your baby should be as active as before. They’ve just got new moves, that’s all.
Feeling Kicks on Both Sides at Same Time – Is it Normal?
It perfectly is.
Feeling movements whilst pregnant can be very surreal. From those first flutters to your baby kicking both sides of stomach quite violently. If you feel your baby kicks on the both sides at the same time, means the simultaneous kicks generally come as your baby is running out of room, maybe a head and butt or hands and feet. It can be both a magical and yet painful experience indeed!
Why Do I Feel Kicks On Both Sides?
When your baby begins moving around inside your tummy you may feel fulfilled for those first few squirms and as the weeks go by those haunting questions can come into play. How many kicks should I be feeling? Is this movement normal? Why do I feel kicks on both sides?
Before you believe the doctor has made a mistake and rather than carrying one you are carrying multiples you could be wondering is it normal to feel baby kicks on both sides.
The easy answer is yes! It is totally normal for you to feel kicks on both sides. Your little bambino is getting rather confident the stronger he gets inside the womb and whether he kicks with his feet or stretches his arms there will come a time when a mom will feel the movements simultaneously on both sides. The idea of kicks on both sides may feel very surreal at first but as you notice the pattern of your little one’s movements. You may be able to pinpoint their limbs, head, and bum making the double jabs understandable.
Picture yourself getting out of a fluffy bed after a fantastic sleep. The first thing you may do is stretch, point your toes raising your arms the same can apply to your little bub.
What Do My Both Side Kicks Mean? ?
So now we understand the answer to the question – can a baby kick both sides at the same time? Let’s dig deeper to find out what other movements could mean. Whether you are yet to feel them or are reassured by what you are feeling, read further to unveil what those niggles could be.
Anyone Smell Gas?
Those typical first movements are very surreal, many moms describe them as butterflies or bubbles in your belly. The main comparison is gas. The feeling of gas in your body is similar to those first early movements.
According to Grow by WebMD a first-time mom will feel those first flutters from 16 to 25 weeks whilst second-time moms understand the feelings and what to look out for meaning you could feel these gas-like movements can be detected from as early as 13 weeks. This is known as the quickening.
♥ Knock Knock Who’s There?
Feeling a tap or a knock from inside is showing you that your little bub has made contact with the uterine wall. No, she hasn’t put on tap shoes to do a little dance but to your baby, she may be kicking with all her might yet the cushion and layers of muscle and tissue give you the sensation of a slight tap or knock. This signals that the baby is growing well yet still too small for the violent kicks which will come later.
♥ Soccer Superstar!
As promised those little knocks have now turned into decent kicks, and whether you are carrying the next soccer superstar or not these kicks can take you by surprise.
Your baby is continuing to grow but your womb is at its maximum stretch meaning that your little cherub is beginning to feel a little snug in its surroundings. Those cute baby stretches will sure to give you the boot in the belly.
At this stage you may find that you start feeling kicks on both sides at the same time as mentioned, it is totally normal and signals that your baby is beginning to run out of room so a little stretch to them could be a double jab for you!
♥ Maybe a Boxing Champ?
Those kicks can take you by surprise but your little bundle will be able to pack a good punch after delivery. As with stretching the legs, stretching arms is also a great movement to feel. Feeling punched from the inside? You probably are!
These lite jabs can be a weird sensation to many moms but shouldn’t be painful at all!
♥ Roly Poly
So the kicking and punching you kind of expected but I bet no one thought to mention rolling. Your baby can go from back to back and bum out many times during your pregnancy. Moms can feel this roll when a rounded object, usually the butt, pokes out and moves from one side to the other making it look like you have an alien belly.
♥ Forever Blowing Bubbles
Alongside the usual kick sensation, some moms report tickles, myself being one of them!
Just a little tickle enough for you to smile or even laugh is totally normal, infections in your bub is probably blowing bubbles with the amniotic fluid. How cute, right?
♥ Bursting Bladder
If you are yet to feel those low blows from your unborn child then be warned they can happen anywhere! Low kicks can signal that your baby is feet first and while those cute little toes jump up and down sometimes your bladder ends up being the springboard. Pressure on your bladder means the desire to wee is so much more intense!
If you feel your baby’s feet are low or a lot of kicking below your belly button then don’t panic they will still have time to turn providing they still have room. If you are concerned at all check with your midwife and voice your concerns.
What’s The Joke?
Your baby can have hiccups whilst in the womb. Now before you think they are enjoying your jokes they are practicing swallowing meaning that they are able to develop hiccups from ingesting amniotic fluid.
During both my pregnancies my daughters had hiccups quite often. It felt like the same repeated jolt not as intense as a kick or punch but a little jiggle in a pattern format meant I could identify when my babies had hiccups.
♥ Violence
As you progress into your third trimester you will notice that your baby’s movements are a lot more violent. Described as thrashing and pounding your baby is coming closer to their eviction notice so they may find that their once cushioned warm home is now becoming way too small for them to get comfy. Cue the feeling of being beaten up from the inside.
These movements shouldn’t be painful but I can remember on my second pregnancy the kicks were so much more violent toward the end, my ribs felt bruised even though they weren’t! Rest assured this part is short lived the closer to your due date you get.
♥ No Movements
The rule of thumb used to be counting kicks, but now many healthcare professionals just say to notice the pattern of movements.
The University of Michigan advises that moms should be able to feel around 10 movements an hour. This doesn’t mean you need to spend the last few weeks of your pregnancy with a tick chart but if you select the most active part of your baby’s day and take note of their movements.
If your movements have altered or changed in any way then try drinking some soda, changing position, or eating something. If the movements are yet to be normal then it is ESSENTIAL you contact your doctor.
No movements for prolonged periods could indicate that your baby is in distress and they need medical attention.
Tracking and Monitoring – A Mama’s Handbook ?
✓ Count the Kicks
A favorite trick up my sleeve? The ‘count the kicks’ method. Starting around 28 weeks (or 26 if things are a tad tricky), choose your bub’s active hour. Count how long it takes for 10 movements – could be a wiggle, a roll, or even a hiccup! Jot down the time, and in a few days, you’ll notice a rhythm. If things seem slow, don’t hesitate, pick up the phone and call your doc.
✓ Movement Chart
For those who love a good list, fetal movement charts or apps are your best buds. They’re fantastic for noting each twist and turn, giving you a clear picture of your baby’s dance schedule. From printable charts to nifty apps, there’s something for everyone.
What’s the Normal Rhythm? ?
Every baby is a unique little DJ with their own set of beats. So, there’s no “one-size-fits-all” movement count. Remember, these tiny humans need their beauty sleep too, sometimes up to 90 minutes during the late stages. It’s their naptime, and not feeling them is just par for the course.
✓ When and How to Tune In
By 28 weeks, your baby’s groove is more predictable. To tune in:
- Kick counting: Lie down, get comfy on your left, and give it 20 minutes. Feel the moves and aim for at least 10 in that span.
- Activity monitoring: Throughout your day, find moments to relax and sense the baby’s beat.
Got concerns? Noticed a drop in the beat or the rhythm feels off? Reach out to your healthcare provider pronto!
Tips to Make the Most of Movement Monitoring ?
- Choose a lively hour for your little one.
- Go left and chill for 20.
- Focus on all wiggles and jiggles, not just the big ones.
- Keep a target of 10 movements in 20 minutes.
- Concerned? Ring up your doc without delay.
✓ Additional pointers
A cold glass of water might just wake your dancer up. If stress or anxiety is dimming the rhythm, breathe and reconnect. And if you’re struggling to feel anything, switch it up – a new position or a quiet spot might do the trick.
Table: Kick Counting vs. Activity Monitoring
| Method | Pros | Cons |
| Kick counting | Simple, straight up | If you’re daydreaming, it might not be so spot-on |
| Activity monitoring | Covers more than just kicks | It demands more attention, tricky if you’re swamped or distracted |
Practical Tips for Comfort with Those Ninja Kicks ?
By now you know that those kicks, sometimes on both sides, they’re a sign of a healthy baby, they can be a bit uncomfortable sometimes, especially when they get intese. Based on my experience and some wisdom passed down through generations, here are the tips that will help:
- Change Positions: Simply shifting your position can do wonders. Maybe lie on your side or prop yourself up a bit.
- Warm Compress: I’ve found that a warm compress can help to soothe the muscles. Just ensure it’s not too hot.
- A Warm Bath: Sometimes, a warm bath can be quite relaxing for both you and the baby.
- Music: Play some calming tunes. They don’t only relax you but can also soothe the baby.
- Chat with Your Baby: Sounds funny, but a gentle talk can sometimes calm those fierce movements.
- Acupressure: Some swear by it, though it’s good to get some advice before trying it out.
Oh, and remember to munch in small portions, steer clear of caffeine and alcohol, and get plenty of rest. When all fails, consult your doctor; they’ll surely have some more tips up their sleeves.
| Method | Effectiveness | Side effects |
| Changing positions | Moderate | None |
| Warm compress | Moderate | None |
| Warm bath/shower | Moderate | None |
| Calming music | Mild | None |
| Talking to your baby | Mild | None |
| Acupressure | Mild | None |
Here’s A Table Comparing Different Causes Of Intense Kicks
| Cause | Commonness |
| Full bladder | Very common |
| Hunger | Common |
| Caffeine or alcohol | Common |
| Stress | Common |
| Baby’s position | Common |
| Medical conditions | Less common |
Wrapping Up
To conclude our findings on why you are feeling kicks on both sides at same time it is quite obvious that your unborn baby can present you with many different sensations as they grow.
You may find that your little one responds to you the further along you get. They can detect variations in light change and become familiar with voices around you so get your partner to talk to your belly regularly or play with a torch and see what happens!
Whether they kick, punch, or roll you should make sure you recognize their patterns of movement. Many healthy pregnancies have ended in emergency situations and moms have only known there was something wrong by the lack of change in movements.
Feeling your baby grow and move around in your uterus is a magical time and a wonderful experience. Those slight digs and jabs they give are notifications that they are healthy and growing well.
Any concerns no matter how small you must get checked out immediately do not wait, you know your baby best!
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