When Can You Feel Your Baby Moving?
Feeling your baby move is one of the magical moments of pregnancy. There’s nothing quite like knowing that life is growing inside of you. As your tiny human grows and develops, you’ll start to feel those precious baby kicks and movements. Wondering when you’ll be able to experience the joy of fetal movement? Here’s what to expect.
When Does Fetal Movement Occur?
Fetal movement usually begins around week 16 of pregnancy, but some women can feel their baby move as early as week 13! As your baby continues to grow, his or her movements will become stronger and more frequent as it has more space inside of your uterus. The vast majority of women usually feel fetal movement first in their lower abdomen, followed by an upward sensation.
How Often Should You Feel Baby Move?
As your pregnancy progresses, you should start feeling your baby’s movements more often, sometimes up to 10 times in a two-hour period. From the third trimester onward, you will probably feel 10 strong movements in two hours. If at any time you feel that your baby is moving less than usual, speak to your doctor right away.
Is One Type Of Movement Different From Another?
Yes! There is a wide range of fetal movements, and they are all quite unique. Here are some examples of common fetal movements to look out for:
- Kicking: Sometimes you can feel your baby kick more sharply, as if he or she is scoring a goal!
- Rolling: As your baby starts to get bigger, you might feel a more gentle rolling feeling.
- Punching: Your baby might even surprise you with a few punches here and there!
- Hiccups: As your baby’s diaphragm develops, you might even feel little hiccups!
Conclusion
Feeling your baby move is a magical experience of parenthood that you will never forget. Most women feel their baby move around week 16 but it can be as early as week 13. As your pregnancy progresses, your baby’s movements will become more frequent. If you ever feel that your baby’s movements have decreased, speak to your doctor right away. Enjoy the experience of feeling your baby move!