Pregnant woman feeling fetal movement.

Decoding Fetal Movement: A Comprehensive Guide for Expectant Parents

Lena Voss in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 3 min read.

"Everything you need to know about understanding and tracking your baby's kicks and movements during pregnancy."

Feeling your baby move for the first time is a magical moment during pregnancy. These fetal movements, often described as flutters, kicks, or rolls, are not only reassuring but also serve as a valuable indicator of your baby's well-being. Understanding these movements can empower you to monitor your baby's health and communicate effectively with your healthcare provider.

Historically, maternal perception of fetal movements has been a cornerstone of prenatal care. Consistent and regular fetal activity is generally associated with positive pregnancy outcomes. Conversely, a noticeable decrease in fetal movements can sometimes signal potential complications, such as fetal growth restriction or other issues.

In the August issue of the Journal of the Chinese Medical Association, researchers explored the topic of fetal movement perception in early-stage pregnant women. Their study highlights the importance of educating women about fetal movements and addresses common questions and concerns. This article aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of fetal movements, drawing from the latest research and expert advice.

What Do Fetal Movements Feel Like and When Should You Expect Them?

The sensation of fetal movement varies from woman to woman and can depend on factors such as parity (number of previous pregnancies) and placental location. First-time mothers may not recognize fetal movements until later in their pregnancy, typically between 18 and 25 weeks. Women who have experienced pregnancy before may feel movements as early as 16 weeks.

Early fetal movements are often subtle and can be easily mistaken for gas or indigestion. As your pregnancy progresses, the movements will become stronger and more distinct. You might feel:

Gentle fluttering or bubbling sensations
Rolling or turning movements
Sharp kicks or jabs
Rhythmic hiccups

It's important to remember that every pregnancy is unique, and there's a wide range of what's considered normal. However, if you haven't felt any fetal movements by 24 weeks, it's essential to consult with your healthcare provider.

Empowering Yourself Through Knowledge: Monitoring Fetal Movement

Understanding fetal movements is a vital aspect of prenatal care. By familiarizing yourself with your baby's movement patterns, you can play an active role in monitoring their well-being. Regular monitoring, combined with open communication with your healthcare provider, can help ensure a healthy and happy pregnancy.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.jcma.2018.06.004, Alternate LINK

Title: Perception Of Fetal Movement In The Pregnant Women

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Journal of the Chinese Medical Association

Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)

Authors: Yiu-Tai Li, Peng-Hui Wang

Published: 2018-10-01

Everything You Need To Know

What do fetal movements feel like during pregnancy?

Fetal movements can feel different to each woman. They are often described as gentle fluttering or bubbling sensations early on. As the pregnancy progresses, these movements can evolve into rolling or turning sensations, sharp kicks or jabs, and even rhythmic hiccups. It's important to note that the perception of fetal movements can depend on factors such as parity (number of previous pregnancies) and placental location, leading to variations in what is considered a normal experience. Early fetal movements are subtle and can be easily mistaken for gas or indigestion. However, you must consult with your healthcare provider if you haven't felt any fetal movements by 24 weeks.

When should I expect to feel fetal movements for the first time?

First-time mothers typically start feeling fetal movements between 18 and 25 weeks of pregnancy. Women who have experienced pregnancy before may feel these movements as early as 16 weeks. However, these early movements are often subtle and can be mistaken for other sensations like gas or indigestion. If you are concerned about the absence of fetal movement, especially after 24 weeks, it is crucial to consult with your healthcare provider.

Why is monitoring fetal movement important during pregnancy?

Monitoring fetal movements is a vital aspect of prenatal care because regular and consistent fetal activity is generally associated with positive pregnancy outcomes. Decreases in fetal movements can sometimes signal potential complications, such as fetal growth restriction or other issues. By familiarizing yourself with your baby's typical movement patterns, you can play an active role in monitoring their well-being and communicate effectively with your healthcare provider, which can help ensure a healthy pregnancy.

How does maternal perception of fetal movements contribute to prenatal care, and what does the Journal of the Chinese Medical Association say about it?

Maternal perception of fetal movements is a cornerstone of prenatal care, serving as an indicator of the baby's well-being. The August issue of the Journal of the Chinese Medical Association emphasizes the importance of educating women about fetal movements to address common questions and concerns. Consistent and regular fetal activity is generally associated with positive pregnancy outcomes. A noticeable decrease in these movements can sometimes signal potential complications, such as fetal growth restriction or other issues, highlighting the importance of monitoring and reporting any significant changes to healthcare providers.

What factors can influence the perception of fetal movements, and why is it important to understand these influences?

Several factors can influence the perception of fetal movements, including parity (the number of previous pregnancies) and placental location. First-time mothers may not recognize fetal movements until later in their pregnancy, typically between 18 and 25 weeks, while women who have experienced pregnancy before may feel movements as early as 16 weeks. The location of the placenta can also affect the intensity and frequency of perceived movements. It's important to understand these influences because they can help manage expectations and reduce unnecessary anxiety. Understanding what's normal for you, while recognizing potential deviations that warrant medical attention, is key to supporting a healthy pregnancy.