You can feel a regular beating in your belly and you are not sure if it is your heartbeat, your baby's heartbeat, or something else. This is one of the most common questions pregnant women have, and the answer is almost always reassuring.
What Causes the Pulsing
| Source | How It Feels | When It Occurs |
|---|---|---|
| Your aorta | Regular, strong pulse | All trimesters, common when lying on back |
| Baby hiccups | Rhythmic, gentle taps | From about 28 weeks |
| Baby's heartbeat | Rapid flutter (120-160 bpm) | Rare to feel directly |
| Uterine blood vessels | Soft, wave-like throb | All trimesters |
The Most Common Cause: Your Aorta
When you lie on your back, the weight of your growing uterus presses on the aorta - the main artery running down the centre of your body. This makes the pulse feel much stronger and more noticeable than usual. This is also why doctors recommend lying on your left side in the third trimester - it takes the pressure off the aorta and the inferior vena cava (the main vein returning blood to your heart).
Baby Hiccups vs Kicks
Hiccups are rhythmic - they happen at regular intervals, usually every 2-3 seconds - and they feel small and repetitive. Kicks and jabs are irregular and often stronger. Most babies start hiccupping from about 28 weeks. They are completely normal and are a sign your baby is practising breathing movements.
When to call
If the pulsing sensation is accompanied by pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, or if you cannot tell whether it is coming from you or your baby, mention it at your next appointment or call your midwife.