Signs of a Healthy and Unhealthy Baby in the Womb

To eliminate any threat to your baby, it is important to be able to differentiate the signs of a healthy foetus from an unhealthy one. The signs of a good pregnancy are very important as it determines the health of the baby. If left unattended, it might lead to a host of pregnancy complications, like premature birth, preeclampsia, and even miscarriage. Miscarriage is one of the common consequences of an unhealthy baby, resulting in loss of pregnancy before the 20th week. We cover some of the warning signs in this article. Understanding the signs of healthy and unhealthy pregnancy can help expectant mothers seek timely medical care, maintain proper prenatal habits, and monitor their body’s changes carefully. Early awareness and regular check-ups play a vital role in ensuring both maternal and foetal well-being throughout the pregnancy journey.

Also Read: Foods to Eat During Pregnancy for a Healthy Baby

What Are the Symptoms of a Healthy Baby During Pregnancy?

Every parent wants to have a healthy baby and goes to great lengths for the same. But a lack of information may sometimes lead to an unexpected outcome. Therefore, understanding the signs of a healthy foetus becomes crucial. Below are the signs of a healthy baby during the early stages of pregnancy:

1. Movement

A baby starts moving after 5 months of conception. Medically, the first foetal movement is termed as quickening (1). A 6-month foetus responds to sound through movement. Around the seventh month, the foetus reacts to stimuli, such as light, sound or pain. By the eighth month, a baby starts changing her position and kicks more frequently. All these are signs that your unborn baby is healthy.

2. Normal Growth

There are several ways to measure the growth and development of a foetus. Your doctor will perform an ultrasound to keep track of your baby’s health and development. Generally, a foetus grows by 2 inches every month. So, your baby should be 14 inches long by the seventh month. In the third trimester, a healthy foetus grows heavier by 700 grams every week. Generally, by the ninth month, a foetus weighs about 3 kilograms and is 18-20 inches long (2). All these are signs of a healthy foetus in the womb.

3. Heartbeat

A baby’s heart starts to beat at around the fifth week of pregnancy and can be detected in a TVS scan by six weeks. However, its detection is a lot easier towards the end of the first trimester through electronic foetal monitoring. To confirm your baby’s heart health, your doctor may conduct a non-stress test. This test monitors the heart rate of a foetus and provides insight into potential threats, if any. Alternatively, some doctors may even count the heartbeat by just touching your stomach. A healthy heartbeat ranges between 110 and 160 beats per minute (3).

4. Position at the Time of Pre-Labour

During the ninth month, the movement of a baby comes to an end or becomes minimal. A healthy baby may adopt a head-first position and start moving towards the birth canal breach, or an unstable lie could also be there. It is not compulsory that the baby is unhealthy.

5. Weight Gain and Belly of Expecting Mom

Weight gain during pregnancy is a surefire sign of a healthy pregnancy. Expecting moms gain around 10-12.5 kgs when they’re pregnant (4). You can ask your doctor to check your weight regularly and give you an update on whether your pregnancy is progressing normally or not. Your belly should also grow in size as the months go by.

Also Read: Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy

6. Morning Sickness

Morning sickness is actually very good for pregnancy. While some believe that morning sickness is a way to expel or avoid the consumption of any harmful substance in the pregnant body so the baby stays safe, there is little to no evidence. But one thing experts agree on is that morning sickness in early pregnancy is a good indication of a healthy pregnancy (5).

7. Enlarged and Sore Breasts

Sensitive, sore, and enlarged breasts are one of the early indicators of pregnancy because of increased estrogen and progesterone levels in the body (6). Sore, heavy, and enlarged breasts indicate your body is preparing well for the birth of the baby.

Signs of an Unhealthy Foetus

During the fifth month, a foetus becomes more reactive toward sound, light, and pain. This is a period when they are also exposed to various threats that may affect growth and development, directly or indirectly.

If problems are visible externally, corrective measures can be taken to deal with them. But how do you recognise an unhealthy foetus inside your womb? The answer is simple: you just need to watch out for these warning signs.

1. Abnormal Fundal Height

Fundal height helps the doctor evaluate whether a woman’s uterus is growing or not. To measure fundal height, you will be asked to lie down and using a tape measure, the length from the top of the uterus to the pubic bone is measured. Usually, after the 16-week mark, fundal height matches the progress of the pregnancy.

If the height of your uterus is not what it should be, it indicates a problem with your pregnancy. The reason may be too much or too little amniotic fluid or a breech baby. In the worst-case scenario, it could also mean that the foetus is not developing in a proper manner.

2. Lack of or No Heartbeat

Although a baby’s heart starts beating after the fifth week, it’s only around the sixth week that detection becomes easy. A foetal heartbeat can be detected through electronic foetal monitoring or by using a fetoscope or stethoscope. In some cases, you can just touch your stomach and count the number of beats per minute (bpm).

At times, detecting the heartbeat may not be possible due to a change in the baby’s position or placental issues. In such a case, your doctor might ask you to try again during your next visit. However, if she still can’t detect the foetal heartbeat, then an ultrasound test might be recommended to dig out the reason behind the undetectable heartbeat. In some cases, lack of heartbeat signals a hindrance in foetal development or, in worst cases, a lifeless foetus (7).

3. Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR)

Intrauterine growth restriction interferes with the growth of the foetus. If you are diagnosed and have IUGR, it implies that your foetus measures atleast 10% smaller than its gestational age (8). If you’re suffering from IUGR, complications, such as difficulty in breathing and high blood sugar, maybe the cause and continue even after delivery. Therefore, there is a need to closely observe this condition. This could happen in the case of multiples as well, where one of the babies suffers from IUGR, but the other one remains unaffected.

This problem happens due to abnormal functioning of the placenta, which in normal conditions ensures the baby gets all the necessary nutrients. Other reasons include kidney issues, anaemia and diabetes.

4. Low hCG Level

hCG is a type of hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy. hCG levels tend to fluctuate throughout pregnancy, depending on the trimester. Generally, hCG levels are extremely high from 9 weeks – 16 weeks of pregnancy. The normal levels vary from individual to individual, so a low hCG level is not a reason for you to panic. However, miscarriage, a blighted ovum, or ectopic pregnancy may induce a low level of hCG and raise a red flag for your pregnancy.

5. Excess Cramping During Pregnancy

Pregnancy comes with its share of pain and aches. However, extreme pain, which feels like menstrual cramps, is another warning sign. In early pregnancy, if you feel excessive cramping, you might need to consult your doctor.

6. Bleeding During Pregnancy

Spotting during pregnancy is not normal. However, bleeding is still a matter of concern without a doubt and needs to be evaluated by a doctor. It might be a sign of miscarriage, hormonal bleeding or implantation bleeding (9).

7. Extreme Back Pain

Experiencing back pain is common during pregnancy as the growing baby puts a lot of strain on the spine and lower back. This feeling worsens when you’re expecting multiples. Well, look out for back pain, which becomes severe as opposed to a dull ache in the back. Also, if it starts from the front of your body and makes its way to the back, it’s not a good sign. You should visit your doctor immediately.

8. Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy

Vaginal discharge is a common condition experienced by women when they’re pregnant, and it increases as the pregnancy progresses. Usually, the vaginal discharge of a pregnant woman is clear, transparent, whitish and odourless. However, if you notice a yellowish or greenish discharge with a strong smell, then it’s time to consult your doctor without any further delay. The unusual discharge might be caused by cervical inflammation, a sign of miscarriage.

9. Sudden Discontinuation of Morning Sickness

Morning sickness and pregnancy are correlated. Usually, morning sickness resolves itself by the end of the first trimester or even earlier without affecting the foetus. However, for some pregnant women, sudden discontinuation of morning sickness might be because of low hCG levels, pointing to a miscarriage. It’s advised to seek an expert’s opinion and make sure there’s no threat to your baby.

10. Fever During Pregnancy

Fever during pregnancy should not be ignored. A fever might pose the threat of a bacterial or viral infection to the foetus.

11. Contraction of Breast Size

During pregnancy, the body of a woman goes through a multitude of hormonal changes. Breasts go through a transformation and become more sensitive. They also feel heavier and fuller as the pregnancy progresses. However, a sudden decrease in the size of breasts may signal a miscarriage.

12. No Foetal Movement

Foetal movement can be felt around 20-24 weeks in first-timers as the foetus starts reacting to sound, light and pain. Experts say that a pregnant woman should experience at least three kicks every hour during this period. If the foetus is in distress, the count declines. It’s a clear sign to consult your doctor for proper treatment. Any delay in seeking medical help might cause an unfortunate event.

13. Sudden Spike in Blood Sugar Levels

It’s normal for blood sugar and blood pressure levels to decrease during pregnancy. In fact, you should keep these levels throughout the three trimesters. However, diabetes can cause sudden intrauterine death and raised blood pressure can cause premature separation of the placenta.

14. Changes in Placental Position

An abnormal placental position is also one of the signs of an unhealthy pregnancy. When the placenta detaches prematurely from the uterus, the pregnancy is terminated. So, always get your placental position checked.

Pay attention to what the signs say. Consult your doctor even if you have a minor doubt or feel something is off. Your concern might be futile, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

How to Have a Healthy Baby in the Womb?

Pregnancy is a crucial time when a mother’s lifestyle and care directly influence the baby’s development. Understanding the signs of healthy baby in womb and following healthy habits can support proper growth and reduce the risk of complications.

1. Eat a nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein, and essential vitamins, as it helps support your baby’s growth and development. Nutrients such as folic acid, iron, calcium, and protein are particularly important during pregnancy.
2. Go for routine prenatal visits, as they allow doctors to monitor the baby’s development and detect any potential issues early. These check-ups also help track the signs, such as proper growth, normal heartbeat, and adequate amniotic fluid levels.
3. Do light to moderate exercises like walking, prenatal yoga, or stretching to improve blood circulation and help maintain a healthy pregnancy. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any exercise routine.
4. Focus on proper sleep and stress management, which are essential for both the mother and the baby. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and gentle stretching can help maintain emotional well-being during pregnancy.
5. Stay away from alcohol, smoking, and other harmful substances during pregnancy. Limiting caffeine intake and avoiding certain medications without medical advice can also help ensure the baby develops safely in the womb.

When to Consult a Doctor

Pregnancy requires regular monitoring to ensure both the mother and baby remain healthy. While learning how to know baby is healthy in the womb is helpful, it is equally important to recognise warning signs that require immediate medical attention.

• Severe abdominal pain or cramping
• Heavy vaginal bleeding or spotting
• Persistent severe headaches or blurred vision
• Sudden swelling in the face, hands, or feet
• High fever or chills
• Reduced or no baby movements after previously feeling regular movements
• Severe nausea and vomiting that prevent eating or drinking
• Leaking fluid from the vagina
• Severe dizziness or fainting

FAQs

1. Can a baby be unhealthy in the womb even if the mother feels fine?

Yes, sometimes a baby may experience growth or developmental issues even when the mother does not notice any obvious symptoms. This is why regular prenatal check-ups and ultrasounds are important to monitor the baby’s health and development.

2. Is it possible for a baby’s growth to slow down in the womb?

Yes, in some cases, babies may experience restricted growth in the womb due to factors like placental issues, maternal health conditions, or poor nutrition. Doctors usually monitor this through regular scans and medical evaluations.

3. Can a baby’s hiccups in the womb indicate good health?

Yes, fetal hiccups are quite common during pregnancy and are usually a normal part of the baby’s development. They often occur as the baby practices breathing movements and develops the diaphragm, which is generally considered a positive sign.

Also Read:

Baby Position in Womb
Healthy Indian Diet during Pregnancy
Activities to Avoid during Pregnancy

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Sources References

1. Cleveland Clinic – Quickening in Pregnancy

2. Cleveland Clinic – Fetal Development

3. Johns Hopkins Medicine – Fetal Heart Monitoring

4. NHS – Weight gain in pregnancy

5. Mayo Clinic – Is nausea during pregnancy a good sign?

6. American Pregnancy Association – Breast Changes During Pregnancy

7. American Pregnancy Association – Early Fetal Development

8. Cleveland Clinic – Intrauterine Growth Restriction

9. ACOG – Bleeding During Pregnancy