During your pregnancy, few events top those
first baby kicks you feel. It's exciting and especially fun for your partner, who doesn't get to experience the pregnancy in the same way as you - i.e. your partner can finally feel the baby move. The downside is that you never expected your baby's kicks could be so darn painful.
As your baby develops he gets bigger and bigger until his once cozy and comfortable umbilical sac gets a little too cozy. Your baby may try to adjust to his cramped home base by moving around a lot and sticking his little feet right between your ribs. Ouch. This sort of kicking can be downright painful for many mamas to be.
What you can do... Try to encourage him to move. Changing your position or walking around can inspire your baby to move as well. Another good way to get your baby to move is to raise your right arm over your head as you take a nice cleansing breath
. Slowly move your arm down while exhaling and repeat the process with your left arm. Do this a few times, alternating arms.
Hang in there. Typically baby kicks can become more painful by the 7th or 8th month of pregnancy. However, if this is your first pregnancy, about three or so weeks before the birth your baby will most likely drop into your pelvis and his tiny feet may not reach your ribs as easily. If you're a second time mama your baby may not drop (or engage) until labor starts so try the movement activities above. If it makes you feel better, later on kids love these stories. My son thinks it's hilarious that he was a hard kicker when still in my belly - so at least you'll have entertainment fodder when your little one is older.
