Most pregnant individuals typically begin to feel their baby's first movements, often called "quickening," between 16 and 25 weeks of pregnancy. If it's a first pregnancy, these movements might be noticed closer to 20-24 weeks, or even up to 25-30 weeks. Those who have been pregnant before might feel movements earlier, some as early as 13-16 weeks.

What Baby Kicks Feel Like

The initial sensations of fetal movement can be described as gentle flutters, swishes, tumbling, or nervous twitches, sometimes likened to "butterflies in your tummy". As the pregnancy progresses, especially in the second and third trimesters, these movements become more distinct and can include stronger kicks, jabs, and elbows. It might take some time to differentiate these movements from other internal sensations like gas or hunger pangs.

Factors Affecting When You Feel Movement

Several factors can influence when you first feel your baby move :

• Previous Pregnancies Individuals who have been pregnant before often recognize fetal movements earlier.

• Placenta Position If the placenta is located at the front of the uterus (anterior placenta), it can create an extra cushion, potentially delaying the sensation of movement.

• Body Mass Index (BMI) Individuals with a higher BMI might not feel their baby move as early as others.

• Amniotic Fluid Levels Lower amounts of amniotic fluid around the baby can sometimes lead to less noticeable movement.

Baby's Activity Patterns

Babies move at various times, with periods of alertness and sleep. They are often most active in the afternoon and evening, typically between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m.. This increased activity can be linked to changes in the pregnant individual's blood sugar levels. Babies also respond to sounds or touch. During sleep cycles, which can last 20 to 90 minutes, babies usually do not move.

Monitoring Fetal Movements

Once movements are consistently felt, usually by week 28, some healthcare providers recommend monitoring "kick counts," especially in high-risk pregnancies. This involves tracking the number of movements within a specific timeframe. A common guideline is to aim for at least 10 movements (kicks, flutters, or rolls) within one to two hours. It's crucial to understand your baby's normal movement patterns. If there is a significant change or reduction in movement, it's important to contact a healthcare provider immediately, as this could indicate a problem. Home dopplers are not reliable for checking a baby's well-being.