Track your Baby's Movements

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When will I feel my baby's first movements?

Feeling those first, tiny sensations inside is a really exciting time in your pregnancy. And when those movements become vigorous kicks, you know everything is going well.

If this is your first pregnancy, you may not even notice your baby moving around immediately because you won't be familiar with the sensation. Many women describe it as a gentle fluttering motion.

For a first pregnancy you might start to feel something at around 18 to 20 weeks. If you've had a baby before, you'll know the tell-tale signs and first movements can be felt earlier, at around 15 to 18 weeks.

After the initial vague stirrings, which can easily be confused for gas, your baby's movements become stronger and more regular. As your baby grows, you will start to feel thumping or kicking movements. These become stronger as your pregnancy goes on.

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What is my baby doing in my womb?

Your baby won't be kicking and moving constantly because, like you, there will be times he just wants rest and sleep. Towards the end of your pregnancy in particular, your baby might rest for about 45 minutes at a time.

Here's a guide to what you might feel as your baby grows:


Baby movements from 20 to 24 weeks

As the weeks go by, your baby will gradually become more lively, especially during the day. Over the next ten weeks or so, your baby will be having a very busy time, with lots of kicking and somersaults.


Baby movements from 24 to 28 weeks

Your baby may start to get hiccups. You will feel this as an occasional jerking movement. The amniotic sac now contains up to 750ml of fluid. This allows your baby to move around freely. Although he has been able to hear for some time, you may find that he will now jump at sudden noises.


Baby movements at 29 weeks

Your baby will begin to make smaller, more definite movements, as he becomes more cramped inside your womb.


Baby movements at 32 weeks

Your baby's movements will reach a peak of activity. You will notice an increase in the frequency and type of movements as your baby gets bigger and stronger.


Baby movements from around 36 weeks

Your baby could take up his final, usually head-down, position, especially if this is your first pregnancy. The firm muscles of your uterus and tummy will help to keep him in place. The main movements you are likely to feel now are jabs from his arms and legs, and possibly painful kicks to your ribs.

If you've had a baby before, your tummy muscles are likely to be weaker. Your baby might keep changing his position right up to your due date.

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Baby movements from 36 to 40 weeks

Your baby will be getting bigger and you are less likely to feel large rolling movements. Instead, you may notice an insistent kicking underneath your ribs on one side or the other, depending on the position of your baby. If your abdominal wall is thin, you may even be able to hold your baby's foot. He may have learned to suck his thumb by now. If his thumb pops out of his mouth, you may feel quick, darting movements as he turns his head from side to side to try and find it again.

In these final weeks, your baby should be nestled in your pelvis, ready for the birth. (If he's not, we have advice on how to get your baby into the optimum position for birth.) Your baby's head can feel like a melon pressing down on your pelvic floor. It can feel uncomfortable when you sit down.

In the last two weeks of your pregnancy, your baby's movements are likely to slow down. His growth rate will slow as well.. This is all completely normal and nothing to worry about.

As your baby's head drops lower into your pelvis you may notice feeling of 'lightening', or less pressure, under your ribcage.

There will be times when your baby is sleeping and other times when you'll notice lots of activity. These are often in the evenings or when you're lying in bed trying to get to sleep!

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How many kicks should I feel each day?

There is no set amount of kicks to expect. Every baby has a different pattern of waking and sleeping. By late pregnancy you will probably have become tuned in to your baby's pattern of movements.


I haven't felt my baby kick today, should I be worried?

You're more likely to notice your baby moving around when you sit down and relax. When you are busy or concentrating on something else, you will probably be less aware of your baby's movements. If you want some reassurance, you can encourage your baby to move:

• Lie down on your left side (with support under your baby bump) and stay still.
• Put your feet up and relax.
• Play music to your stomach.

It's a good idea to get used to your baby's movement pattern during waking hours. Then, if you feel there is a change in that pattern, you can inform your doctor straight away.

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