One of the most exciting moments in pregnancy is feeling your baby move for the first time. Those tiny flutters, kicks, and wriggles are not only a special bonding experience but also a key sign of your baby’s wellbeing. As midwives, we often get questions about fetal movements—when you should expect to feel them, what’s normal, and when to seek advice. So, let’s talk about it.
When Will I Start Feeling Movements?
Most women begin to feel their baby move between 16 and 24 weeks of pregnancy. If it’s your first baby, it might be closer to 20 weeks before you notice anything. At first, movements can feel like tiny flutters, bubbles, or gentle taps—almost like butterflies in your tummy! As your baby grows, these movements will become stronger and more distinct.
If you haven’t felt any movements by 24 weeks, it’s important to let your midwife or maternity team know. They may arrange a check-up to make sure everything is okay.
What Do Baby Movements Feel Like?
Every baby is different, and so is the way they move. Some are wrigglers, while others are more relaxed. You might feel:
Kicks and nudges
Rolling and stretching
Hiccups (a rhythmic, repeated movement)
By the third trimester, you’ll start to notice patterns in your baby’s activity. Some babies are more active in the evening, while others move more after you eat or drink something cold. Getting to know your baby’s pattern is important.
Can the Placenta Affect Movements?
Yes, it can! The position of the placenta can have an impact on how you feel your baby move. For example, if you have anterior placenta (where the placenta is positioned at the front of your uterus), it may cushion your baby’s movements, meaning you might not feel them as strongly, especially in the earlier stages of pregnancy.
If you have a posterior placenta (where it’s located at the back), the movements tend to be more noticeable and stronger. But remember, the position of the placenta doesn’t affect your baby’s health—just how you experience the movements. If you’re ever unsure or notice a change in your baby’s pattern, always contact your midwife for advice.
Responding to Baby’s Movements: Bonding and Brain Development
Those early kicks and movements are more than just a sign that your baby is active—they’re a way for you to begin bonding with your little one. Research shows that the more you respond to your baby’s movements, the more you can enhance your connection and even support their brain development.
Some studies suggest that babies who experience more interaction with their parents in the womb—such as responding to kicks or talking to them—may show stronger brain development in the long term. While the research is still evolving, many experts believe that these early interactions play an important role in your baby’s neurological development, especially in terms of emotional and sensory processing.
So, when you feel that little nudge or flutter, take a moment to talk to your baby, rub your belly, or just enjoy the moment. It’s not only a sweet bonding experience, but it’s also helping support your baby’s growth in a meaningful way.
What's Normal? And When Should I Be Concerned?
Your baby’s movements should be regular and consistent for them—there’s no set number of kicks you need to count. Instead, focus on your baby’s usual pattern. If you notice a change—such as movements becoming weaker, slower, or stopping altogether—this could be a sign that your baby needs checking.
Trust your instincts—if something doesn’t feel right, reach out. Contact your maternity unit straight away, even if it’s the middle of the night. You won’t be wasting anyone’s time—your baby’s wellbeing is always the priority.
What Happens If I Call About Reduced Movements?
If you’re concerned about reduced movements, your midwife or maternity unit will probably want to see you for monitoring. This usually involves a quick check with a CTG machine (which listens to your baby’s heartbeat) to make sure they’re doing well. You might also have a scan to check your baby’s growth and the condition of your placenta. Most of the time, everything is fine, but it’s always worth getting checked out if you have any doubts.
Where Can I Find More Information?
For more expert advice on fetal movements, check out these trusted resources:
Tommy’s: www.tommys.org
Kicks Count: www.kickscount.org.uk
NHS guidance: www.nhs.uk
And remember, if you ever need reassurance or have a question, Fliss is here for you. You can chat with one of our friendly UK-registered midwives via WhatsApp, ready to provide support whenever you need it.