Feeling Baby Move for the First Time

Feeling those first flutters, wiggles and tiny kicks is one of pregnancy’s sweetest moments — and much more fun than swollen feet or heartburn! But these early movements can also spark questions: Was that really the baby? Should I be feeling more by now?

Every baby and every pregnancy is different, but knowing what to expect can help you feel more confident as you begin to recognize your baby’s unique movement patterns.

What Does It Feel Like?

Early fetal movements, called quickening, often feel like fluttering, bubbles or gentle taps. At first, you might mistake them for gas or muscle twitches. It’s often such a subtle movement that you have to be still and pay close attention to notice it.

Over time, the movements grow stronger and easier to recognize, turning into clear kicks and rolls.

When Will I Feel My Baby Move?

Your baby starts moving long before you can feel it. By 12 weeks, they’re already wiggling around, but they’re still too small for you to notice.

Most people feel movement between 16 and 24 weeks. If it’s your first pregnancy, you may not notice movement until closer to 20 weeks, or even a few weeks after that. If you’ve been pregnant before, you might recognize those familiar flutters as early as 13 weeks.

How Often Should I Feel Movement?

There’s no set number of kicks you need to count early on. Movements can be sporadic at first, but by the third trimester, those gentle flutters will turn into clear kicks and jabs, and you’ll start to recognize your baby’s daily rhythm.

As you get to know these patterns, you’ll have a better sense of what feels normal for your baby — and when something might be off.

If you haven’t felt any movement by 24 weeks, or if your baby’s activity suddenly slows down or changes, call your care team. They can check in and make sure everything is okay.