While some women report feeling a pulse in their stomach during pregnancy, it's generally not the baby's heartbeat that you're feeling.
What You're Likely Feeling
- The sensation you might feel is more likely the pulse in your abdominal aorta.
- During pregnancy, the amount of blood circulating in your body significantly increases, which can make this pulse more noticeable.
- This increased blood flow is due to the body's efforts to support both the mother and the developing baby.
Distinguishing the Sensations
Here's a simple breakdown:
| Sensation | Likely Cause |
|---|---|
| Pulse in Stomach | Abdominal Aorta Pulse (increased blood flow) |
| Baby's Heartbeat | Typically only audible through medical devices like a stethoscope or Doppler ultrasound |
When can you hear baby's heartbeat?
- A healthcare professional uses tools like a Doppler ultrasound or a fetoscope to hear the baby's heartbeat.
- The fetal heartbeat can usually be detected with a Doppler around 9-12 weeks of gestation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the pulsating feeling in your stomach isn't your baby's heartbeat, but rather the increased flow of blood in your abdominal aorta during pregnancy. The baby's heartbeat is usually heard through medical instruments.
