When do you feel the baby move?

Introduction

Was that your baby moving – or just a bit of gas? Early movements can feel so gentle it can be hard to tell. But feeling your baby move for the first time can be an exciting and unforgettable moment, giving you a real sense of the little person growing inside you.

Your baby will have been moving for a while, but it’s only as your pregnancy progresses that you’ll start to notice their movements. Soon, those tiny flutters will grow into playful kicks and stretches, letting you know they’re getting ready for life in the outside world.

When will I feel my baby move for the first time?

Every pregnancy is different, but you should start to feel your baby move between 16 and 24 weeks.¹ If this is your first baby, those early pregnancy flutters might not be noticeable until around 20 weeks.² If this is your second or third pregnancy, you may feel them a bit earlier – because you already know what it feels like.

Your partner may be wondering when they’ll be able to feel the baby kick for the first time. It will happen, but it may be a little longer until your baby’s movements are strong enough for them to feel them too.

What do baby movements feel like?

You may have heard of ‘quickening’ in pregnancy. Quickening is the term often used to describe the first time you feel your baby move.³

So what does quickening feel like?⁴ At first, your baby’s movements will feel very gentle, like tiny flutters, popping gas bubbles, light taps or wiggles. It can take a little getting used to, so don’t worry if you can’t quite work out exactly what you’re feeling.

As your baby grows and becomes stronger, they’ll feel more like kicks, rolls and stretches, which are all a good sign of healthy growth and activity.⁴

How often will I feel my baby move?

There is no set number of movements you should feel each day, and the good news is, there’s no need to keep count.⁵

The most helpful thing you can do is to get to know your baby’s usual movements, so that you notice if anything changes – this includes right up to and even during labour.

Taking just 10 minutes each day to focus on your pregnancy and tune into your baby’s movements can be both calming and reassuring. It’s also a lovely moment to connect with your little one and get used to their daily patterns of activity.

What if I don’t feel any movement yet?

No two pregnancies are the same, and sometimes, if the placenta is at the front of the womb movements can’t be felt so easily.⁶

But, if you haven’t felt your baby move by 24 weeks, it’s important you tell your midwife, so they can check your baby’s heartbeat and activity.⁷

What does it mean if my baby’s movements change?

Feeling your baby move is a sign they’re well, and those movements should feel stronger as your pregnancy progresses. However, if you think your baby’s movements have slowed down, stopped or changed, you should contact your midwife or maternity unit immediately – any time, night or day.⁸

What is reduced foetal movement (RFM)?

If your baby is moving less than usual or not at all, it might be a sign they’re unwell. This is called reduced foetal movement (RFM).⁹ There are other reasons why you might be finding it difficult to notice their movements, but always contact your midwife or maternity immediately and get yourself checked out.

When should I contact my midwife or doctor?

The NHS recommends you should call your midwife or maternity unit immediately if:

• Your baby is moving less than usual
• You cannot feel your baby moving anymore
• There is a change to your baby’s usual pattern of movements

If you’re concerned, don’t wait until the next day, call straight away – even if it’s the middle of the night – and even if you’ve contacted them before.¹⁰

You can find further guidance in this NHS article.

Do my baby’s movements mean my baby is healthy?

Your baby’s activity will increase throughout your pregnancy, often up until around 32 weeks, after which their level of movement tends to stay the same. You should continue to feel your baby move right up to, and even during, labour.¹¹

Feeling your baby’s kicks, rolls and stretches is an important sign that they are healthy and developing well. If you notice their movements become less frequent or more spaced out, it’s important to contact your midwife or maternity unit immediately.¹²

Can anything affect how often I feel my baby move?

Your baby can move at any time of the day or night, but many are most active in the afternoon and evening. Just like us, they also have periods of sleep when they’re quieter and don’t move – these usually last around 20 minutes, but rarely longer than 90 minutes.¹³

How can I encourage my baby to move if I’m feeling worried?

The recommended advice is that you shouldn’t try to encourage your baby to move.¹⁴ If you’re feeling worried about your baby’s movements, the most important thing to do is contact your midwife or maternity unit immediately.

The NHS does not recommend relying on home devices or listening kits like dopplers to check your baby’s heartbeat – they just don’t provide enough information and can delay care, if it’s needed.¹⁵

What’s the difference between kicks, rolls and flutters?

Kicks, rolls, and flutters mark different stages of your baby’s growth and activity:

• Flutters are the very first movements you’ll feel, often described as butterflies, bubbles or gentle taps. Because your baby is still quite small and has space to move, these sensations are fairly subtle.
• Kicks are stronger and more distinct, especially as your growing little one now has less space to move.
• Rolls happen later in pregnancy when space is getting tight! This is when your baby changes position, rather than just kicking. Their movements can feel more like rolling, pushing, or stretching.