Feeling the First Kicks: A Guide to Fetal Movement

One of the most exciting moments of the second trimester is finally feeling your baby moving for the first time. This guide explains what 'quickening' feels like, when to expect it, and how to track your baby's patterns as they grow.

second-trimester 8 min read
Pregnant woman noticing early fetal movement during second trimester

TL;DR

Quickening is the first time you feel your baby move, typically occurring between 16 and 25 weeks of pregnancy. These early movements often feel like 'butterflies' or 'flutters.' As the baby grows, movements become more distinct kicks and rolls. While patterns vary, consistent movement is a key indicator of your baby's well-being, especially as you enter the third trimester.

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Important

If you notice a significant decrease or a sudden stop in your baby's movements after 28 weeks, call your doctor or go to the labor and delivery triage immediately. Do not wait until your next appointment.

In This Article

What is Quickening and When Does it Happen?

Quickening is the medical term for the first fetal movements a pregnant person feels, usually occurring between 16 and 25 weeks of gestation.

While your baby has been moving since about seven or eight weeks, they are initially too small and the amniotic fluid is too abundant for you to feel anything. As they grow and their limbs become stronger, their movements eventually make contact with the walls of your uterus. If this is your first pregnancy, you might not notice these sensations until closer to 20 or even 22 weeks. If you have been pregnant before, your abdominal muscles may be more relaxed, allowing you to feel movement as early as 16 weeks. At Viva Eve, we often remind patients that there’s no “perfect” time to feel those first kicks. Every pregnancy is different, and things like where the placenta sits or your body’s unique makeup can affect when—and how strongly—you notice those early flutters. If you’re getting close to 24 weeks and haven’t felt anything yet, we’ll check in with an ultrasound to be sure everything is developing just as it should.

What Do the First Movements Actually Feel Like?

Early fetal movements are often described as subtle flutters, bubbles, 'popcorn' popping, or the sensation of a tiny fish swimming.

Because the first movements are so light, they are frequently mistaken for gas or hunger pangs. You might only notice them when you are sitting quietly or lying down at night. As the second trimester progresses, these 'butterflies' turn into distinct taps, and eventually, full-blown kicks and rolls that can be seen from the outside of your belly. By the end of the second trimester, you may even be able to identify when the baby has the hiccups—a rhythmic, repetitive tapping that can last for several minutes. These movements are a wonderful way to begin bonding with your baby. You might find they respond to the sound of your voice, a cold drink, or even a gentle nudge on your abdomen.
If your ultrasound showed an anterior placenta (attached to the front wall of the uterus), it acts like a pillow between the baby and your skin. This can make it take longer to feel kicks, and the movements may feel more muffled throughout your pregnancy. This is completely normal!

When Should I Start Tracking My Baby's Kicks?

Formal 'kick counting' is typically recommended starting around 28 weeks of pregnancy to help you become familiar with your baby's unique patterns of activity.

In the second trimester, movement can be sporadic—you might feel the baby a lot one day and very little the next. However, as you enter the third trimester (around 28 weeks), the baby's movements should become more regular. This is when we ask you to pay closer attention to their 'normal.' A common method is to see how long it takes to feel 10 movements (kicks, rolls, or swishes). Ideally, you should feel 10 movements within two hours, though many babies will reach that number in much less time. Pick a time of day when your baby is usually most active—often after a meal or when you are resting in the evening—and focus on the sensations. If you're concerned, having a glass of juice and lying on your left side can often 'wake up' a sleepy baby.

What is Considered 'Normal' Movement?

There is no universal number of kicks per day; instead, 'normal' is defined by your baby's established pattern of wakefulness and rest.

Some babies are very active, while others are more laid-back. Some are 'night owls' who start their gymnastics as soon as you try to sleep. The most important thing is that the pattern remains consistent for *your* baby. As you get closer to your due date, the movements may change from sharp kicks to more of a rolling or stretching sensation as the space inside the uterus becomes tighter. Contrary to old myths, babies do not slow down their movements just because they are 'getting ready for birth.' While the *type* of movement might change, the *frequency* should not decrease. If you feel like your baby is moving significantly less than usual, it is always worth a phone call to our office. We'd much rather evaluate you and find everything is fine than have you stay home and worry.

How Can My Partner Feel the Baby Move?

Partners can usually begin to feel kicks from the outside of the abdomen between 24 and 28 weeks, depending on the baby's position and the mother's body habitus.

It can be frustrating for partners when the baby seems to stop moving the moment they put their hand on your belly! We often call this 'stage fright.' Patience is key. Having your partner rest their hand on your lower abdomen while you are lying down in a quiet room is the best way to catch a kick. This is a major milestone for partners, as it's the first physical connection they have with the baby. Encouraging your partner to talk or sing to your belly can also prompt a response. These moments are the beginning of your life as a family of three (or more), and they help the pregnancy feel more shared and less one-sided.

The Emotional Reassurance of a Moving Baby

Fetal movement serves as a constant, 'real-time' reassurance of your baby's health, helping to ease anxiety and deepen the emotional bond during the second and third trimesters.

For many women, feeling that first kick is a deeply reassuring moment—a small but meaningful reminder of the life growing inside you. It often brings comfort and connection, and with it, a heightened awareness. You might catch yourself pausing during a busy day, quietly waiting for the next flutter or nudge, simply to feel that reassuring presence again. At Viva Eve, we want to help you balance that awareness with peace of mind. Learning your baby's rhythms is a skill, and like any skill, it takes time to master. If you're ever in doubt, or if the responsibility of tracking kicks feels overwhelming, talk to us. We're here to provide the clinical expertise and the emotional support you need to enjoy these final months of pregnancy.
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

In the early second trimester (16-22 weeks), it is very common for movement to be inconsistent. The baby is still small enough to 'hide' in certain positions. However, once you reach 28 weeks, you should feel your baby move every day. If you don't, contact your provider for a checkup right away.

Yes! Babies often respond to the increase in your blood sugar after you eat a meal or have a sugary drink like orange juice. Cold drinks can also sometimes prompt a movement. This is why we often suggest having a snack if you're trying to perform a kick count.

Generally, no. An active baby is usually a healthy baby. Some babies have 'frenetic' periods of activity, which is normal. However, if you notice a sudden, extreme change in movement that feels very different from your baby's normal, it's worth mentioning to your doctor.

In the second trimester, you'll likely feel kicks low in your abdomen, near or below your belly button. As the baby grows and moves into a head-down position (usually in the third trimester), you'll likely feel more kicks higher up, near your ribs or on your sides.

Yes, babies have sleep-wake cycles just like newborns. They typically sleep for 20 to 40 minutes at a time (and sometimes up to 90 minutes). If you don't feel movement for a short period, the baby is likely just taking a nap!

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