When can you Feel Baby Moving?
Pregnancy is a unique and wondrous experience for mothers. One of the most exciting milestones for pregnant women is feeling their baby move! This typically happens between 18 and 25 weeks of pregnancy, but there are certain factors that can influence when you can feel your baby move.
Early-On
For some lucky moms, they can feel slight movements as early as 13-16 weeks, but those movements can be difficult to distinguish from other bodily sensations. Moms who have been pregnant many times may be able to tell sooner than new mothers, as they know what to expect.
Timing Your Baby’s Movements
It is important to pay attention to the regular pattern of your baby’s movements. These patterns—known as fetal kick counts—allow your healthcare provider to check on your baby’s health.
Once you can recognize the feeling of your baby moving, you should be counting your baby’s movements at least once per day. These movements can vary in frequency and intensity, but you should be able to count 10 kicks within 2 hours. If you cannot do this, your healthcare provider may offer further monitoring.
Factors that Influence Baby Movement
There are a few factors that can affect your baby’s movement, including:
- Your baby’s position in the uterus
- Your baby’s energy level
- The amount of amniotic fluid your baby is surrounded by
- Your position – you are more likely to feel your baby move when you are in a seated or reclined position
What to Expect as Your Baby Grows
As your baby continues to grow, they will move more and you are likely to feel those movements more often. In the last few weeks of your pregnancy, your baby’s movements are likely to slow down as their space in your uterus grows more confined. But rest assured that by this time, you will be able to recognize when your baby is moving, and you will be able to quickly check in with your healthcare provider if you are worried.
When your baby’s movements begin to slow down, you should be reassured that this is normal and is an indication that your baby is getting bigger and closer to the birth!