Feeling those first flutters and kicks from your baby is one of the most exciting milestones during pregnancy. But when exactly do most women start to feel their baby’s movements? Here’s what to expect and when you should start to feel your little one squirming around.
When can you feel baby move during pregnancy?
Most women feel their baby move for the first time between weeks 16 and 25 of pregnancy, but every pregnancy is different. Here’s an overview of when you can expect to start feeling fetal movement:
- Weeks 16-20: Some women start feeling flutters around weeks 16-20 of pregnancy. These early movements may feel like gas bubbles or light tapping.
- Weeks 18-22: Most women feel their baby move for the first time between weeks 18 and 22 of pregnancy.
- Weeks 24-28: Regular kicks and squirms are common starting around weeks 24-28 as the baby grows bigger and stronger.
- Week 37: Baby movements tend to peak around week 37 and then decrease slightly near the end of pregnancy as the baby runs out of room.
What does baby movement feel like?
Those first fetal flutters are easy to miss. Here are some ways moms describe their baby’s first movements:
- Gas bubbles
- Butterflies
- Tapping or flicking from the inside
- Rolling movements
- Kicks and jabs
At first, fetal movement may be infrequent and difficult to identify. But as your pregnancy progresses, you should begin to detect more noticeable jabs, stretches, and rolls as your baby gains strength and size.
Reasons you may not feel baby move
It’s normal not to feel consistent movement yet in early pregnancy. Here are some other reasons you may not be feeling movement:
- Anterior placenta: If your placenta is on the front wall of the uterus, it can act like a cushion and block some sensations of movement.
- First pregnancy: Many first-time moms don’t recognize movement until closer to weeks 24-28.
- Busy mom: You may be too occupied to notice subtle early movements.
- Body position: When you change positions, the baby may shift too, making movement less noticeable.
- Sleeping: It’s difficult to feel movement when you’re focused on sleeping.
If you haven’t felt movement by week 24, tell your provider so they can check on your baby. But try not to worry too much if you’re not feeling constant kicks yet in the early weeks.
How much movement is normal?
You know your baby best. There’s no set “normal” for how much movement you should feel. In general:
- You should start feeling multiple movements per hour by week 28.
- Pay attention to your baby’s normal pattern and notify your provider if you notice a major decrease in activity.
- A quiet day here and there is usually nothing to worry about. But contact your provider if you go more than 24 hours without feeling movement after week 28.
Don’t hesitate to get checked out if you’re ever worried about reduced fetal movement, even if you haven’t reached your kick counting milestone yet. It’s always better to be safe.
Tips for feeling baby move
Having a hard time feeling those sneaky little movements? Try these tips:
- Sit or lie down after eating – babies love to move after a meal!
- Press your hands gently on the top of your bump.
- Focus on the sensations in your belly when you’re relaxing or laying in bed.
- Gently rub your belly to see if it rouses baby.
- Pay attention when you change positions or after a cold drink – movement may follow.
Getting familiar with your baby’s normal activity can provide comfort and reassurance throughout pregnancy. If at any time you think movements seem decreased, talk to your provider right away.
How to track baby kicks
Once you start regularly feeling movement, kick counting is an easy way to monitor baby’s activity. Here are some tips:
- Pick a consistent time like after a meal when baby is usually active.
- Get comfortable and focus on sensations in your belly.
- Time how long it takes you to feel 10 distinct kicks, flutters, or rolls.
- Ideally it should take less than two hours for you to feel 10 movements.
- Note patterns and alert your provider if you ever go more than 24 hours without feeling at least 10 movements.
Bonding through movement
Feeling your baby twist, squirm, and kick helps you bond with your little one during pregnancy. Here are some fun ways to interact:
- Gently poke or rub your belly when baby is active to encourage more movement.
- Talk, read, or sing to your baby – they can hear you starting at week 18.
- Play music and see if the rhythm makes them dance.
- Have your partner put their hands on your belly to feel the kicks.
- Use a fetal monitor so your other kids can hear the swoosh of baby’s heartbeat.
Celebrating each new wiggle, jab, and roll makes staying connected to your baby easy and fun. Each new movement is a sign that they are growing healthy and strong.
When to contact your provider about movement
Decreased fetal movement can sometimes be the first sign of a problem. Contact your provider right away if:
- You haven’t felt at least 10 movements in 2 hours after week 28.
- You notice a major decrease or change in activity.
- You don’t feel any movement at all for over 24 hours after week 28.
Other concerning signs that warrant a call to your provider include:
- Severe or prolonged pain
- Bleeding or fluid leakage
- Fever over 100.4°F (38°C)
- Dizziness or blurry vision
In many cases, a change in baby’s normal pattern turns out to be nothing. But it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to monitoring fetal movement and well-being.
Conclusion
Feeling those first amazing kicks and rolls is one of the best parts of pregnancy. Understanding when you can expect to feel movement and staying in tune with your baby’s normal activity will help provide peace of mind. Don’t hesitate to contact your provider if you ever have concerns about decreased fetal movement – after week 28, you should never go more than 24 hours without feeling at least 10 motions from your energetic little one squirming around inside.