Pregnancy can be a challenging but blissful journey. No doubt the most exciting part of your pregnancy journey will be when you feel your baby’s movement for the first time. This feeling will make you feel closer to your unborn child and reassure you that your tiny one is healthy and growing. But the real question is when will you finally feel your baby kick and move?
When will I feel quickening?
Quickening is when you feel your baby’s movements for the first time during your pregnancy. You will probably feel quickening around 17 to 25 weeks.If this is your first pregnancy you will probably feel the movement closer to the 20th week. You are more likely to feel your baby move when you are in a sitting or lying position. If you have been pregnant before your uterine muscles are probably more relaxed and sensitive to movement this time. This means that during your second pregnancy you may start to feel quickening as early as the 13th week. If the position of the placenta is between your belly and the uterus, it may be harder to feel the baby’s first movements.
What does it feel like?
Quickening is different for everybody. Some women have described the feeling as the fluttering of butterflies in their stomachs or as if a fish was swimming through their bellies. It generally feels like something is rolling, swishing or a tumbling sensation in your belly. Pregnant women can confuse quickening with gas but once you get used to your baby’s movement you will be able to distinguish between the two as foetal movements are much more consistent.
When will quickening turn into kicks?
After you have felt your baby’s first movement just know that from this point onwards the movements will only become more prominent. This means as you enter the third trimester your little one’s movements will become more stronger and sharper. By this instead of light movements you will probably feel kicks,punches and elbows.
How often should my baby move?
While there is no fixed number of movements for a baby, it is important to familiarise yourself with the pattern of the baby’s movements. Counting your baby’s kicks can help you find out what is normal for your unborn child. In this way you will immediately know if something is abnormal.
How to count kicks?
To monitor your little one’s movements, you should time how long it takes for your baby to roll, kick or swish 10 times. Ideally you should notice your baby moving 10 times within one to two hours. Resting and sleeping is normal for the foetus and it's alright if you don’t feel 10 movements in two hours. Some movements may feel less strong but they still count! Continue monitoring for the next few hours and if you’re still not feeling any kicks, it may be time to inform your healthcare provider.
When to worry ?
If you feel like your baby’s movement has decreased with time or they have stopped moving altogether, contact your doctor immediately. Reaching the 24th week mark and still feeling no baby movement is a cause for concern as well. In this case talk to your healthcare provider.
Feeling your baby's movement for the first time is a beautiful part of your journey throughout pregnancy. While there is a general timeline for when this will happen, it's important to remember that every pregnancy is unique. Factors like the baby's position, the placenta's location, and your own body can influence when and how you feel these movements. Your baby’s movement will indicate that they are safe and healthy and make you feel close to them. If you have any concerns about your little one’s movements don’t hesitate to contact your doctor.
