Whether you simply want to spark your baby into
reassuring action, change her into a more comfortable position, or start
encouraging her to respond to you, there is plenty that you can do to
get your baby to move around and to keep her stimulated.
Stop and relax if you are up and busy all day, your baby will be lulled to sleep by the regular movement
Lie down on your side with your bump supported; this position seems to stimulate your baby to move to accommodate your new position
Drink a sweet, icy-cold drink—this should nudge her into action
Talk to your baby—by the fifth month her hearing is developed and she will hear and respond to your voice
Encourage dad to get up close and talk to your baby—getting
to know the voices of mom and dad will come naturally, but she’ll be
likely to hear much more of mom’s, and will be intrigued by dad’s voice
up-close
Read stories or poems aloud—most children’s books have rhythmic and rhyming words, helping your baby understand the ebb and flow of language
Singing songs, such as lullabies, can soothe your baby
Music is proven to stimulate babies,
and evidence suggests that a daily dose of Mozart may stimulate your
baby’s brain and senses; play loud music—this not only wakens her but
also stimulates her to move
Feel free to play games—push her little foot or elbow when she moves it outward, and watch her shift her position; do it over and over again
Watch the effect of a strong light held against your womb:
your baby will respond to the light; this is a good trick to try if you
need to keep baby awake during the day to prevent nightly gymnastics
sessions
Simple stimulation
Your baby can be
stimulated through all sorts of external experiences; in fact, studies
have shown that by the 24th week her heart rate increases in response to
stroking or patting your abdomen.
