When will you feel your Baby Move?
Most pregnant women start to feel their baby move when they are between 16 and 24 weeks pregnant. This can happen earlier if it is not your first pregnancy.
First Pregnancy
It is likely that you will feel your baby move for the first time, sometime between weeks 16 and 24 of your pregnancy. You may feel a light fluttery sensation or a gentle bubbling feeling. This is called quickening. As your pregnancy progresses, you will feel larger movements such as kicks and stretches.
Subsequent Pregnancies
If this is not your first pregnancy, you are likely to start feeling your baby move sooner than with your first pregnancy. This is because you have done it before and so you are more likely to recognise the early movements.
Ways to Feel Your Baby Move
There are a few ways to help you recognise when your baby is moving:
- Lying Down: Lie on your side and put your hand on your belly. You may be able to feel the baby’s kicks and rolls.
- Eating and Drinking: Have a snack or a cold drink – the sudden change in temperature or sugar rush can cause your baby to wake up and move.
- Track Baby’s Movements: Keep a record of baby’s movements so that you know when your baby is moving around more and less.
When to Talk to Your Doctor
If you are between 20 and 28 weeks pregnant and you are not feeling your baby move regularly, you should contact your doctor. It may be nothing to worry about but it is better to be safe than sorry. Your doctor or midwife will be able to periodically check your baby’s movements.
Conclusion
It is very exciting feeling your baby move and is one of the highlights of pregnancy. Don’t worry if you are not in the 16-24 week range before you can feel movement, it can be as early as 13 weeks if the pregnancy is not your first. Enjoy the feeling of your baby’s movements and make sure that you talk to your doctor if in doubt.