When Will I Feel My Baby Move? What Every Mama Needs to Know
- Erica Hale
- Mar 31
- 2 min read
There’s something incredibly magical about that very first flutter—when you realize it's not just gas or a muscle twitch... it’s your baby saying hello from the inside. For many expecting moms, feeling those first tiny kicks is one of the most emotional and exciting parts of pregnancy. But exactly when should you expect to feel your baby move?
Let’s break it down.
When Do Most Moms Feel Baby Move?
Most women start feeling movement between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy. These early movements are called quickening, and they might feel like flutters, bubbles, tiny taps, or even a little rolling sensation.
If this is your first pregnancy, you may not recognize those subtle feelings right away. Moms who've been pregnant before often notice movement earlier—sometimes as early as 16 weeks—because they know what to look for.
What Does It Feel Like?
Early movements are usually very light and easy to miss. Moms describe them like:
Popcorn popping
Gentle flutters
A tiny goldfish swimming
Tapping from the inside
As your baby grows, those gentle nudges will turn into full-on kicks, rolls, and even little stretches you can see from the outside.
Where You Might Feel It
In the beginning, you’ll most likely feel movement low in your abdomen, especially if your baby is still hanging out near your pelvis. As your uterus grows upward, the kicks and wiggles will be higher and easier to feel.
What If I Haven’t Felt Anything Yet?
Don’t panic. Every baby (and every pregnancy) is different. A few factors that can affect when you feel movement:
Placenta placement: If you have an anterior placenta (in the front of your uterus), it can cushion baby’s kicks, making it harder to feel them early on.
Your body type: Moms with more abdominal tissue might not feel movement as early.
Baby’s personality: Yep, some babies are chill! They might move less frequently, but that doesn’t mean anything is wrong.
When Should I Track Movement?
Your doctor or midwife will usually ask you to start tracking your baby’s movements around 28 weeks. This is often done with kick counts—a way to make sure your baby is active and healthy. A common rule is to feel 10 movements in 2 hours, but every provider has different guidelines.
When to Call Your Provider
You should always trust your instincts. If you feel like your baby isn’t moving as much as usual—especially after 28 weeks—it’s a good idea to call your provider. They may want to check in with an ultrasound or non-stress test just to be safe.
Final Thoughts
Feeling your baby move is one of the most incredible parts of pregnancy. It’s their way of saying, “Hey Mama, I’m in here!” So when it finally happens—soak it in. Whether it feels like butterfly wings or a sudden jab to the ribs, those little motions mean everything.
Every pregnancy is different, so try not to stress if you haven’t felt anything just yet. Your baby is getting ready for their big debut—and soon enough, they’ll be dancing up a storm in your belly.
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