Fetal movement

Locomotor activity begins during the late embryological stage and changes in nature throughout development.

These first movements are not reflexive, but arise from self-generated nerve impulses originating in the spinal cord.

[14] By about the twelfth week, the fetus is able to kick and curl its toes, and may grasp its feet or scratch itself with its fingernails.

[19] Movement is restricted around this time because the fetus has grown so large it has little space for kicking or changing body position.

This movement consists of circular "bicycling" motion of legs, which helps the fetus move to a head-down position in preparation for birth.

[22] After quickening, a pregnant woman may choose to count the number and types of movements she feels her fetus make.

The American Pregnancy Association states that advantages of conducting kick counts range from giving a pregnant woman an opportunity to bond with her baby to reducing the risk of stillbirth; kick counts are especially recommended in high risk pregnancies.

[23] However, instructing women to monitor fetal movements is potentially associated with increased maternal anxiety.