Fetal Movement

One of the best moments in your pregnancy will probably be the first time you feel fetal movement, the tiny kicks of your baby inside of you. This exciting time occurs around 16-20 weeks of pregnancy.

In the beginning, fetal movement feels like faint flutters. Some women describe them as butterfly-like movements, bubbles, or popcorn popping inside their bellies. First-time mothers usually notice these movements later than mothers who have been pregnant before. You will probably feel these faint fetal movements more easily when you are sitting or lying quietly. Before long, though, those faint flutters will become full-on kicks and jabs that may be a little uncomfortable.

Fetal Movement in the Second Trimester

Your baby is actually moving in the 7th to 8th week of pregnancy, but you will not feel it until about half way through your second trimester. In the second trimester, most women are unsure whether or not they are actually feeling their baby move. But before long, pregnant women realize those little flutters are actually fetal movements. This is usually a huge bonding moment for mothers and their babies. Fathers and other family members may feel a little left out, since they can’t feel the tiny movements yet. Reassure them that they will soon.

If you are pregnant with multiples, you may feel the tiny flutters earlier than with moms with singletons. If you are overweight, you may not feel the movements until pregnancy calendar week 20.

Fetal Movement in the Third Trimester

In the third trimester, the tiny flutters you felt in the second trimester will transform into stronger kicks and jabs. As your baby gets bigger, you will probably try to guess which parts of your baby are moving against your belly.

Each baby and each pregnancy is different, so don’t worry if your friend’s baby is moving more or less than yours. As long as there is no decrease in movements, your baby is fine.

Family members and partners will now be able to feel the kicks and jabs by laying a hand on your belly. As your baby gets bigger, family members will actually be able to see the movements too. Many women enjoy lifting their shirts to watch their baby’s kicks.

Kick Counts

Your care provider may ask you to do kick counts in your third trimester. This is a very basic way of testing to make sure your baby is moving enough.

To count your baby's kicks:

• Drink a big glass of water.
• Lay down on your side.
• Concentrate on your baby’s movements.
• Note each movement in the space of an hour.
• Drink something sugary and count again if you get less than 10 kicks or movements in an hour.
• If after two hours, your baby has less than 10 movements per hour, contact your care provider.

37 weeks and Beyond

Late in your pregnancy, your baby starts to run out of room and may be moving around less. This is usually nothing to be worried about, though your baby should still be averaging about 10 kicks per hour. If you are concerned, or there is a sudden and dramatic change in your baby’s movements, you should contact your care provider.

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