The Fidgety Fetus

I just finished listening to the recent episode of PregTASTIC on epigenetics and the science of pregnancy. And I’m scared. What bothered me about the episode wasn’t the thought of how my choices and actions in pregnancy could affect the developing fetus. That can be frightening in and of itself. After all, that is a lot of pressure on the pregnant woman, making her feel as though she must exercise often, avoid eating too many hamburgers, keep the stress levels low, and so on. It could take mom guilt to a whole new level. But, what concerned me most was the discussion about how fidgety fetuses can turn out to be feisty kids.

My first two were fidgety enough in pregnancy and have turned out to have their fare share of feistiness. So, when I signed up for #3, it was with the unwritten understanding that this one would be that textbook baby that I’ve read about. I have heard that babies can be calm, relaxed, laid back and easy going. If in utero movement is any indicator, the existence of that textbook baby for our family will remain only in books. And I’m beginning to think those books are more of the fiction variety.

The statement that scared me most during the episode was when Jena Pincott, author of “Do Chocolate Lovers Have Sweeter Babies?” said, “Researchers found the more fetuses kicked and fidgeted during pregnancy in response to a stimulus, the more excitable that baby was after birth.” As I said, my first two were active enough, but this one takes activity to a whole new level. This baby is known for not just little kicks and movements, but for breath-taking (literally) jolts and jumping jacks that make my stomach look like an alien is about to burst forth. I can hope this child is using its energy now and will be more relaxed once born. I know that probably won’t be the case, but as I chase after two active kiddos already, I need to hold on to that hope. For sanity’s sake, I need to think there is a possibility of having that textbook case. I know I will be faced with reality soon enough, but until then, a girl can dream, can’t she?