Pregnant women feel heartbeats when touching their stomachs

Pregnant women feel a heartbeat like sensation when touching their stomachs, which is usually fetal movement or abdominal aortic pulsation, and is a normal phenomenon. Fetal movement is a manifestation of fetal activity, while abdominal aortic pulsation is related to maternal blood circulation.

The fetal activity in the uterus gradually becomes apparent as the gestational age increases. Around 18-20 weeks of pregnancy, pregnant women can begin to perceive fetal movement, which may initially be mistaken for a slight bouncing sensation similar to a heartbeat. This kind of jumping sensation often appears in the lower abdomen, with irregular frequency, and is related to the fetal activity cycle during the daily occurrence period. As the fetus develops, fetal movements become stronger and more diverse, which may include rolling, kicking, and other movements.

Abdominal aortic pulsation is the regular beating of large blood vessels in the mother's abdomen, synchronized with the mother's own pulse. This kind of jumping sensation often appears around the navel or upper abdomen, with a uniform and continuous rhythm. The enlargement of the uterus in late pregnancy may compress blood vessels, making the pulsation more pronounced, especially when lying flat. If jumping is accompanied by pain, dizziness, or abnormal reduction in fetal movement, one should be alert to the possibility of gestational hypertension or fetal distress.

It is recommended that pregnant women record their daily fetal movements and choose a lateral position to reduce vascular compression. Regular prenatal check ups and monitoring of fetal heart rate to avoid prolonged exposure to the same position. If abnormal acceleration or continuous weakening of the heartbeat frequency is found, or accompanied by symptoms such as vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain, immediate medical evaluation of the fetal condition should be sought.