Feeling your baby move is one of the first signs that your baby is growing, and the pattern of those movements tells you a lot about how your baby is doing. This guide explains when you are likely to first feel movements, what they feel like and when to get help.
When will I first feel my baby move?
Most people start to feel their baby move between 16 and 24 weeks of pregnancy. In a first pregnancy it is often towards the later end of that range. If you have been pregnant before, you may notice movements a little earlier. If you have not felt your baby move by 24 weeks, tell your midwife or doctor.
What do baby movements feel like?
Early movements are often described as fluttering, bubbling or a light tapping. As your baby grows, you will feel stronger kicks, rolls and jerky movements. Some babies are more active at certain times of day, often in the evening or when you lie down.
Do I need to count kicks?
You do not need to count a set number of kicks each day. What matters is getting to know your own baby’s usual pattern of movements and noticing if it changes. Babies do not move less towards the end of pregnancy: you should keep feeling movements right up to the time you go into labour.
When to get help
- Your baby’s movements slow down, stop or feel different from the usual pattern.
- You have not felt your baby move by 24 weeks.
- You are worried about your baby’s movements for any reason.
Contact your midwife, doctor or maternity unit straight away. Do not wait until the next day, even if it is the middle of the night. Do not use a home heartbeat monitor (doppler) to check on your baby yourself: hearing a heartbeat does not mean your baby is well, and it can delay getting the checks you need.
See what is happening at your stage with our week 20 guide and the rest of the pregnancy week by week pages.
Not sure how far along you are? Use our Pregnancy Week Calculator.
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