Pregnant woman feeling fetal movement.

Baby's First Moves: What Every Pregnant Woman Needs to Know

Beau Callahan in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Understanding fetal movement is crucial for a healthy pregnancy. Learn what's normal, what's not, and how to monitor your baby's well-being."

The anticipation of feeling your baby's first movements is a common thread connecting expectant mothers. These movements, often described as flutters or gentle nudges, are more than just a heartwarming experience; they're a key indicator of your baby's well-being. For years, healthcare providers have emphasized the importance of maternal perception of fetal movements as a valuable tool for assessing fetal health.

Consistent and regular fetal movement is generally associated with positive pregnancy outcomes. Conversely, a noticeable decrease in these movements can sometimes signal potential complications, prompting further investigation. This is why understanding what's normal for your pregnancy and being attentive to any changes is crucial.

While the occasional lull in activity is usually nothing to worry about, a persistent reduction in fetal movement should be discussed with your healthcare provider. Early detection of potential issues can allow for timely intervention and help ensure the best possible outcome for both you and your baby.

Decoding Fetal Movement: What's Normal and What's Not?

Every pregnancy is unique, and so is the experience of feeling fetal movement. However, there are some general guidelines to keep in mind:

When to Expect It: Most first-time mothers start feeling fetal movement, sometimes called "quickening," between 16 and 25 weeks of pregnancy. If you've been pregnant before, you might recognize the sensations a bit earlier, typically around 16 weeks. Remember, these are just averages, and it's perfectly normal to feel movements slightly earlier or later.

Early Pregnancy (16-24 weeks): Movements may be infrequent and subtle, often described as flutters or gentle bubbling. You might not feel them every day.
Second Trimester (24-28 weeks): Movements become stronger and more frequent. You'll likely notice distinct kicks, jabs, and turns.
Third Trimester (28-40 weeks): Movement patterns should be well-established. While the type of movement might change as your baby grows and has less room, you should still feel regular activity.

Factors Affecting Perception: Several factors can influence how and when you feel fetal movement, including: Parity: Women who have had previous pregnancies often feel movement earlier. Maternal Weight: Higher body mass index (BMI) can sometimes make it harder to feel subtle movements. Placental Location: An anterior placenta (located at the front of the uterus) can cushion movements, making them less noticeable. Activity Level: Being busy and active can distract you from noticing fetal movements.

Empowering Women Through Awareness

Paying attention to your baby's movements is a simple yet powerful way to connect with them and monitor their health. By understanding what's normal for your pregnancy and promptly reporting any significant changes to your healthcare provider, you can play an active role in ensuring a healthy and happy pregnancy journey.

About this Article -

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Everything You Need To Know

When should I expect to feel fetal movement for the first time during pregnancy?

Most first-time mothers begin to feel fetal movement, also known as "quickening," between 16 and 25 weeks of pregnancy. If you've been pregnant before, you might recognize these sensations a bit earlier, typically around 16 weeks. However, remember that these are general guidelines, and it's normal to feel movements slightly earlier or later than this timeframe. This is influenced by factors such as parity, maternal weight, placental location, and activity level. Always consult with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about fetal movement.

What do the different types of fetal movements feel like at various stages of pregnancy?

In early pregnancy, specifically between 16 to 24 weeks, fetal movements may feel like subtle flutters or gentle bubbling. You may not feel these movements every day. As you enter the second trimester, from 24 to 28 weeks, the movements become stronger and more frequent, with distinct kicks, jabs, and turns becoming noticeable. In the third trimester, from 28 to 40 weeks, the established movement patterns should be well-defined, although the type of movement might change as the baby grows and has less room. Consistent, regular fetal movement is generally associated with positive pregnancy outcomes.

Why is it important to monitor fetal movement, and what should I do if I notice a decrease?

Monitoring fetal movement is a vital part of ensuring a healthy pregnancy. Regular and consistent fetal movement is an indicator of the baby's well-being. Healthcare providers emphasize the importance of maternal perception of fetal movements to assess fetal health. A noticeable decrease in fetal movements can sometimes signal potential complications, so it's essential to be attentive to changes. If you notice a persistent reduction in fetal movement, you should promptly discuss it with your healthcare provider. Early detection of potential issues can allow for timely intervention and help ensure the best outcome for both you and your baby.

What factors can influence when and how I perceive fetal movement?

Several factors can influence how and when you feel fetal movement. Parity, or whether you've had previous pregnancies, is a key factor, with women who have given birth before often feeling movement earlier. Maternal weight, as measured by body mass index (BMI), can also play a role; a higher BMI can sometimes make it harder to feel subtle movements. The location of the placenta, specifically an anterior placenta (at the front of the uterus), can cushion movements, making them less noticeable. Your activity level is another consideration; being busy and active can distract you from noticing fetal movements. Always consult your healthcare provider if you are concerned about any of these factors.

How can I actively participate in ensuring a healthy pregnancy journey through monitoring fetal movement?

You can actively participate in ensuring a healthy pregnancy journey by paying close attention to your baby's movements. Understanding what's normal for your pregnancy and being attentive to any significant changes is crucial. You should report any persistent reduction in fetal movement to your healthcare provider promptly. This proactive approach empowers you to connect with your baby, monitor their health, and play an active role in ensuring a healthy and happy pregnancy outcome.