Feeling Your Baby Move
It’s natural to be interested in when you can feel your baby moving. Though the exact timing may vary, there are a few standby markers that you should be on the lookout for:
First Trimester
The first time you may notice your baby moving is in the second trimester, typically around week 16. However, if this is your second or subsequent pregnancy, you may feel a fluttering earlier as you are already aware of the sensation.
Second Trimester
By your second trimester you should start to feel some definite movements. If this is your first pregnancy, the feeling is described as bubbles popping, flutters, or a tumbling motion. This is referred to as quickening, and will likely become more regular as your baby continues to grow. Many women who have had multiple pregnancies will describe the feeling as stronger, more like kicks.
Third Trimester
As you enter the third trimester, your baby’s movements should become much more regular and intense. You should be able to keep track of them as they become more pronounced, and you may even be able to determine if your baby is stretching or doing other changes. At this point, your baby may even move in response to outside stimuli, such as loud noises or physical contact from you.
Things to Keep in Mind
It is important to remember that everyone’s experience is different, so your baby’s movements and when you are able to feel may be different from any timeline you may hear.
Here are a few other things to keep in mind about feeling your baby move:
- Timing: While quickening may happen around week 16, some women may not feel it until the end of the second trimester or beginning of the third trimester, and that is normal.
- Uncertainty: It can be difficult to determine whether you are feeling your baby moving or something else, such as a rumbling in your stomach. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are unsure.
- Decreased Movement: Reduced baby movements can be normal depending on where your baby is positioned, but if you are worried or concerned you should talk to your healthcare provider.
Ultimately, feeling your baby move is an exciting and memorable moment in any pregnancy!