You often start to feel fetal movements between about 16 and 24 weeks of pregnancy. If this is your first pregnancy, you might not notice movements until after about 20 weeks, and some people don’t feel anything until closer to 25 weeks. If you haven’t felt any movement by around 24 weeks, it’s a good idea to check in with a midwife or healthcare provider to ensure everything is progressing normally. Key points to know:
- Early movements feel like fluttering or gentle twitches, sometimes described as “quickening.”
- By about 20–24 weeks many people notice more distinct movements, especially when lying down, resting, or after meals.
- Later in pregnancy, movements become stronger and more regular. If movements seem markedly less frequent or weaker, contact your clinician promptly.
- The exact timing can vary based on factors such as placental position, your body type, and whether this is your first pregnancy.
If you’d like, I can tailor this to your situation (e.g., second trimester vs. first pregnancy, or how to track movements).
