Why am I not feeling any fetal movements?

Q: I am 5 months pregnant. I had an ultrasound done during my 18th week. Everything was normal except that the movements were less. The doctor said that I could fly to US. Now I should feel the movements, but till now I haven't experienced any. I had a missed abortion last time. I was 60 kg in my first month & weigh 64 now. I am fully fit & don't feel that I am pregnant. I don't feel tired. I just want to make sure that me and my baby are alright. I took 4 doses of HCG injection. I am now taking iron, folic acid & calcium tablets. Please relieve me of my tension.

A:Each pregnancy holds different experiences for the mother and what is a general rule in pregnancies is not the rule for each one of them. This is the essence of Biology and Medicine. There is a very wide range of normal events. Since a scan at 18 weeks and your check up with your doctor were normal it is likely that all is well. Actual kicking is felt later in pregnancy. Since this is the first pregnancy where you have reached the fifth month and now 20 weeks, you may or may not have realised that organised gas and flutters are actually movements of the baby. In your next visit to your doctor in the US you will get to hear the heart beat of your baby and feel reassured. Your doctor is also likely to get the 20 week scan carried out which is done anytime between 18 and 22 weeks. It is natural to be anxious if one has had a previous miscarriage, as in your case. Relax as much as you can and enjoy your new surroundings and the pregnancy.