Feeling Your Baby Move for the First Time
Quickening
Experiencing quickening (the feeling of your baby moving inside the womb) for the first time can be an exciting and sometimes overwhelming experience for many expectant parents. Some mothers may start to feel movement from their baby as early as the 12th week and for some, it can take up to 16 weeks.
What Does It Feel Like?
Every expectant mother’s experience is unique, and you can never truly appreciate what the feeling of the baby moving is like until you experience it firsthand. Generally, the feeling is similar to gas or small flutters at first, and then it evolves into fuller movements such as kicks, flips and punches.
Factors Which May Impact When You Feel Movement
- The Size of Your Baby: A larger baby will provide more sensations compared to a smaller one.
- Your Weight and Physique: The shape and size of your abdominal wall and the amount of fat surrounding the baby can also affect how quickly you feel quickening.
- Your Pregnancy History: Women who have experienced pregnancy before may notice movement around the same time as they did in previous pregnancies.
It is important to keep in mind that every pregnancy is different, so the time in which you feel your baby kicking should not be something you worry about. If you have any concerns, it is best to speak to your doctor.