My belly twitched! Could I be pregnant? When you’re trying to get pregnant, every sign, no matter how small, can seem really important, right? Could this or that sign mean pregnancy?
You’re lying down and suddenly you feel something move in your lower abdomen. You feel your stomach twitching, trembling and you’re startled and surprised by this sensation. What would you think if you were trying to get pregnant, or even if you weren’t? That they’re signs of pregnancy! Pregnancy does bring about several movements in the belly, including a twitching feeling, but we should always remember that this only happens after a certain stage of pregnancy.
When Do We Feel the Baby Move?
Usually around 14, 15 weeks, a pregnant woman may start to feel what feels like butterflies in the belly. These are subtle movements and sometimes almost unnoticeable, especially if it’s your first pregnancy. Feeling more definite pregnancy movements only happens around 18, 20 weeks when the belly also starts to show. At this point, you can really tell it’s the baby moving1.
Most of the time when women feel certain movements in their belly, including the twitching, and think it might be pregnancy, it’s probably because they’re already hoping for a positive test. The desire, together with the physiological changes in the body, can make women more aware of these movements because they start paying closer attention to their body and to what they feel. If it isn’t their first pregnancy, women usually already know what to expect and what types of movements to look for.
Mãe do Corpo
A non-scientific explanation, based on popular beliefs, is Mãe do Corpo (literally, “Mother of the Body”). This sensation is kind of amusing—it really does feel like something is moving and trembling. But there’s no ongoing pregnancy to cause that feeling. Then comes the doubt: “that’s odd, I feel my stomach moving and I’m not pregnant!”
Stomach movements can have various origins and are not only due to an ongoing pregnancy. In early pregnancy, these tremors can result from the uterus expanding. As the uterus starts to stretch due to the pregnancy’s progression, it can cause sensations similar to what you’d feel from baby movements.
IMPORTANT: If the movements in your stomach appear together with other symptoms such as missed period, nausea and dizziness, take a pregnancy test to confirm.
What Causes Movements in the Stomach?
We have all kinds of internal organs, and those in the lower belly are the ones that move most. So, the intestines, fallopian tubes and muscles might be the “villains” here. Intestinal movement is frequent and we can even feel them before getting pregnant, or sometimes not even notice them. They feel like little twinges and tremors in the belly. However, these movements are due to the organ doing its job—moving food waste toward the rectum to be excreted2.
Intestinal Movements
The contraction and relaxation movements of the intestines can sometimes confuse us. Constipation can also trigger these sensations. Speaking of intestines, gas can cause these movements too. Actually, not only in your intestines but in your stomach as well. Carbonated drinks and foods that cause more fermentation can also lead to the very common complaint to doctors: “I feel my belly move near my belly button, is that normal?” That really is the main cause of these abdominal movements, and yes, you might be feeling your intestines moving and think there’s a baby in there.
Movements of the Fallopian Tubes
Another organ that can make you feel your belly tremble is the fallopian tubes3. They are organs that are partially loose in the abdominal cavity. One part of the tube is attached to the uterus, and the other part “floats free.” During the fertile period, it moves gently and can give the feeling of pulsing and trembling. Muscles are another factor to keep in mind when you’re unsure if the movements are really from pregnancy. The muscles can contract and relax, which can give the feeling of trembling or your belly moving.
Reader Questions:
Twitching belly and pain—could it be pregnancy?
Twitching in the belly is not a sign of pregnancy, and lower abdominal pain on its own isn’t either. Twitching and pains can be a sign of your fallopian tubes working or even ovulation, which can be uncomfortable for some women. But if you feel twitching and also have a late period, take a pregnancy test to confirm.
Does every pregnant woman feel their belly twitch?
No, some women might even take longer to feel any baby movements—even after the twentieth week. Every body is different, and each person perceives things in their own way. So, even though some first-time moms feel their belly twitch, you don’t have to wait for that to confirm pregnancy.
Is abdominal burning a sign of pregnancy?
Abdominal burning, as some women refer to it, is pain or sharp twinges in the abdomen caused by ovulation or PMS symptoms.
Important Tip: I, Patricia Amorim, together with Famivita, have developed several products for those trying to conceive or wanting to improve their health. Learn more about FamiGel and women’s health vitamins on the Famivita website.
