When can you start to feel the baby move

Dec 22, 2024

Feeling the baby move for the first time, known as "quickening," is one of the exciting milestones of pregnancy. When a pregnant person first feels fetal movements can vary widely from person to person and pregnancy to pregnancy.

For first-time pregnancies, quickening is typically felt between 18 and 22 weeks gestation. However, some women may feel these movements as early as 16 weeks, while others may not notice them until later, particularly if they have an anterior placenta (where the placenta is positioned at the front of the uterus, cushioning fetal movements) or if they're less attuned to subtle sensations.

In subsequent pregnancies, women often recognize fetal movements earlier, sometimes as early as 16 weeks or even earlier, as they are more familiar with the sensation and know what to expect.

The first movements felt are often described as fluttering sensations, like bubbles or butterflies in the stomach. As the pregnancy progresses, these movements become more distinct and recognizable, feeling like kicks, punches, or rolls.

If you haven't felt any fetal movements by around 24 weeks, it's a good idea to mention it to your healthcare provider, who can assess to ensure everything is progressing normally. Keep in mind that every pregnancy is unique, and variations in when quickening is felt are entirely normal.