When Can You Feel Baby Moving?
When your baby is ready to wave hello, it’s called quickening. That’s when you’re likely to begin to feel your baby move.
Feeling Movements Generally Range From 16-25 Weeks
Pregnant women usually begin to feel their baby move between 16 and 25 weeks of pregnancy. Women who have been pregnant before tend to notice fetal movements sooner and more significantly than women who are pregnant for the first time. Most women feel 10 kicks, flutters, swishes, or rolls in an hour, but it varies.
Clues About What You’re Feeling
Fetal movements include kicks, flutters, swishes, and rolls.
- Kicks – The fetus stretches, and strong muscle contractions create rhythmic kicks. As the baby gets bigger, you may be able to feel the entire motion of a leg or an arm, and can even tell the difference between a kick and a punch.
- Flutters – These are usually felt early in the second trimester, and are described as a light fluttering or tapping feeling.
- Swishes – This feeling usually occurs when the baby is rolling or turning inside the uterus.
- Rolls – This sensation can feel like when you roll over in bed.
Additional Ways to Bond With Your Baby
Besides feeling your baby move, there are other ways to bond with your baby now. Here are a few suggestions:
- Talk to your baby, since babies can hear beginning around 20 weeks. Singing, reading out loud, and having conversations can help foster a bond.
- Massage your abdomen, as some studies suggest that babies can recognize and respond to touch.
- Play soothing music, especially if you make the songs yourself. Choose music or songs that you find calming.
- Point a flashlight or pen light across your belly. Some moms share that their babies often respond with movements.
Quickening is the official term for when you will begin to feel your baby move. But say hello any way you’d like and enjoy every little hiccup and twist of that beautiful baby.