When are the first fetal movements felt in the belly?

When do you first feel your baby move? What exactly does it feel like? How often should he move and when to worry and call the doctor? Here’s everything you need to know about the movements of the fetus in the belly!

The first fetal movements are a unique emotion, almost comparable to that of the positive test. Up to that moment, apart from the first symptoms and a hint of a belly (it’s still too early to talk about a real baby bump!), you almost don’t realize you’re pregnant yet.

When you feel your baby move for the first time, everything changes. The little flickers first, and then the kicks, become not only a company but also a sort of reassurance. They also help to connect more and more with the life that is growing within us.

At how many weeks does the baby feel in the belly?

The first fetal movements are felt on average between 16 and 25 weeks of pregnancy. Women who have already had other children can perceive them earlier, as early as the 16th ^week . On the other hand, those who are in their first pregnancy may feel them later, around 18-20 weeks.

If the placenta is anterior , meaning between the baby and the mother’s abdominal wall, it may take a little longer to feel the baby move, because the placenta could soften the kicks.

First fetal movements: what does it feel like?

The first fetal movements are not felt clearly and distinctly. They look like flickering or tiny bubbles, and are difficult to distinguish from normal digestive and bowel movements.

As pregnancy progresses, kicks feel better and better and it becomes impossible to confuse these firm and energetic taps with other types of movements related to our body. Not only that: over time, mothers even learn to distinguish little feet from fists and movements of arms and legs from those of the rest of the body.

The hiccup movement is also very characteristic : a rhythmic and regular jolt, which lasts several minutes and then stops spontaneously.

How often do you feel the baby move?

At first, small movements are felt every now and then. However, as the baby grows, the movements become stronger and more frequent.

No two children are the same and each one develops his own specific rhythm of activity. Some are livelier, others more relaxed, but contrary to popular belief, there does not seem to be a correlation with character once born.

The baby will not be constantly on the move : there will be times when he sleeps. Towards the end of the pregnancy, the baby will rest for longer periods. Typically, naps will last about 20 minutes at a time, although they can be as long as 50-75 minutes. It might seem like longer intervals to mom, because it’s impossible to notice all the movements.

When is it easier to hear it?

In general, the movements are felt more often at certain times of the day and in particular after meals and in the evening, between 9pm and 1am .

The reason for these times is linked to the increase in blood sugar, as well as a decrease in maternal stress hormones, which tend to inhibit the activity of the fetus.

In addition, the best position to feel movement is sitting or lying down . When walking, on the other hand, the fetus tends to fall asleep, cradled by the swaying of the mother’s pelvis.

If you want to try to get your baby to move, then, know that he will respond to touch, sounds… and snacks!

Fetal movements by week of pregnancy

Even though a mother can hardly feel her baby before 16 ^weeks , the baby starts moving much earlier. At first her gestures are automatic and reflexes, but with the development of the connections between the muscles and the brain, the movements become more and more intentional, until they turn into real games in the tummy !

Here’s how he trains and what he learns to do week after week:

• 11th ^week of pregnancy : She can move her head, raise her hands to touch her face and open her mouth.
• 13th ^week of pregnancy : is able to yawn!
• 15th ^week of pregnancy : start moving your eyes.
• 16th ^week of pregnancy : he can suck the thumb of his favorite hand and this could already tell if he will be left-handed or not!
• 17th ^week of pregnancy : Mom may be able to feel the classic  flicker , especially if she is in her second (or later) pregnancy.
• 20th ^and 21st ^week of pregnancy : in this period it is possible to  start to feel the real movements  of the baby.
• 25th ^week of pregnancy : the movements begin to get stronger. It is also possible to hear the baby’s hiccups, which are characterized by rhythmic jerks.
• 29th ^week of pregnancy : the movements are very frequent and the kicks can be so strong as to take the mother’s breath away.
• 36th ^week of pregnancy : If the baby has turned head down to prepare for delivery, a change in movements is felt.

Should I monitor the baby’s movements?

Doctors usually recommend paying attention to fetal movements starting at 28 weeks of pregnancy.

Not everyone finds accurate movement counting necessary, but they strongly recommend being  aware of your child’s activity.

As the pregnancy progresses, you should learn to recognize the sleep-wake rhythms of the baby you are carrying and understand what is normal  for him and what is not.

If it seems to you that your baby has moved less than usual, eat something sweet, lie on your left side and listen: you should be able to hear at least 10 distinct movements (kicks, punches or any movement, including hiccups) in the span of 2 hours.

When to contact the doctor?

If after the 24th ^week of pregnancy you still cannot hear your baby , it is best to contact your gynecologist or midwife . Some women feel the first fetal movements very late, even at the 25th ^week ; however, in these cases, doctors recommend that you undergo a check-up to verify that the pregnancy is progressing well. 

Also, call your obstetrician or midwife immediately or go to the nearest obstetric emergency room if:

• by monitoring fetal movements, at least 10 separate movements are not felt in 2 hours , even in response to loud stimuli or after a sugary snack;
• you notice a change in the way your child moves, such as a decrease or increase in their usual activity level, or a gradual decrease over several days .

Example 1: hiccups occur more frequently than usual, lasting more than 15-20 consecutive minutes;

Example 2 : monitoring fetal movements every day, the time taken to count 10 movements is:

• 30 minutes on the first day
• 45 minutes the second
• 1 hour the third
• more than 2 hours the quarter

In this case, the reduction in activity is significant and should be reported to the doctor.

If the baby varies greatly from his usual rhythm, it could be a sign that he is not getting enough nutrients or oxygen through the placenta.

In the hospital they will do all the necessary tests to make sure that the fetus is fine: they will check the heartbeat, the growth and the amount of amniotic fluid that surrounds it. In case of anomalies, where possible, they will be able to promptly start the most suitable treatment. Where everything is normal, they will give you all the reassurances to be able to go home peacefully.