When Can you Feel Your Baby Moving?
Expectant parents often experience both excitement and apprehension in anticipation of the new chapter in their lives: when can you feel your baby moving?
Fortunately, there are generally two distinct periods when parents can feel baby movement, commonly referred to as “quickening” or “kicks.”
First Trimester
Usually, the mother can sense the first twinges or flutters before she reaches the end of her first trimester. These first movements feel more like sensations within the abdomen, and are gentle and easy to miss or confuse with other feelings like nerve twitches or gas.
Second Trimester
By the time the mother approaches the start of her second trimester, often at 16-20 weeks, the baby has developed large enough muscles for more obvious movement. It is at this point that the mother can feel strong kicks or punches as the baby stretches and practices movement.
When to See a Doctor
If parents are uncertain or unable to feel the movements for prolonged periods of time, it is important to contact a doctor immediately. Doctors suggest that if you cannot feel any movement within a four-hour period, you should notify your healthcare provider.
Conclusion: How to Feel Baby Movement?
Frazzled moms-to-be often ask, “When can you feel baby moving?”
The answer is in two distinct trimesters:
- First Trimester – gentle twinges or flutters.
- Second Trimester – strong kicks and punches.
If you have any doubts about the lack of movement, your doctor is always available to help.