Understanding baby's movement

In short: Most first-time mothers feel their baby move between 18 and 22 weeks, and sometimes from 16 weeks in a later pregnancy. Early movements feel like flutters or bubbles and grow into clear kicks and rolls. From around 28 weeks, get to know your baby's usual pattern. If your baby is moving less than usual, call your hospital or doctor straight away. Do not wait until the next day.

There’s a moment in every pregnancy that feels almost magical: those first tiny flutters, the gentle pops, or the unmistakable thump of a baby moving inside you. At first, you might wonder if it's just gas. But soon, you’ll realize: it’s your baby saying hello in their little way.

These movements are more than a sweet milestone, they're signs of your baby’s health and well-being. Understanding what’s normal, how to track it, and when to check in with your healthcare provider can give you peace of mind and strengthen that growing bond with your little one.

When do baby movements start?

Most first-time moms start feeling baby movements (called “quickening”) between 18 to 22 weeks. If you’ve been pregnant before, you might notice them earlier, sometimes as soon as 16 weeks.

It often begins as soft flutters, bubbles, or a tickle. Over time, those sensations become more pronounced and rhythmic as your baby grows stronger.

Fact: By the third trimester, babies move a lot, though you may not feel every single movement, especially if you're busy or sleeping.

What do these movements mean?

Your baby's movements are a sign of their neurological and muscular development. Kicks, rolls, jabs, and stretches, each one shows that your baby is active and responding to the world inside the womb.

As your pregnancy progresses, movements will follow a pattern. You might notice your baby is more active at certain times of day, like after meals, when you lie down, or during the night (yep, they're practicing for all-nighters early!).

How to track movements

From around 28 weeks, it helps to get to know your baby’s usual pattern of movements:

Try this:

Pick a time each day when your baby is usually active (often after meals or when you lie on your left side).

Notice the kicks, flutters, rolls, or swishes you feel, and how they fit into your baby’s usual pattern.

There’s no “perfect number” of kicks, but knowing what’s normal for your baby is key. If they’re usually active after lunch and suddenly seem quiet, that’s worth paying attention to.

Pro tip: Use a pregnancy app or a simple notebook to log patterns.

When to seek help

If you notice any of the following, call your hospital or go to your maternity unit straight away, without waiting until the next day:

A sudden drop in the baby’s usual movement pattern

Your baby seems consistently sluggish or still for long periods

You feel something is just “off”; always trust your instincts

Fact: Reduced fetal movements can sometimes be a sign of distress and should never be ignored.

But what if my baby sleeps?

Totally normal, babies in the womb sleep in cycles, usually for 20-40 minutes, occasionally up to 90 minutes. They won’t move much during this time, so a short, quiet spell doesn’t always mean something is wrong.

If you are unsure whether your baby is moving less, do not try to get your baby moving first. Call your hospital straight away; they would always rather check.

Questions women ask

In which month does the baby start moving?

Usually in the fifth month, between 18 and 22 weeks for a first pregnancy. If you have been pregnant before, you may notice it a little earlier, around 16 weeks. At first it feels like soft flutters, then becomes stronger kicks and rolls.

Is it normal to feel baby kicks in the lower abdomen?

Yes. Where you feel kicks depends on your baby's position and the placenta, so kicks low down are common, especially earlier on. Kicks can move higher as your baby grows and turns. What matters most is that your baby keeps moving in their usual pattern.

How do I count my baby's kicks?

From around 28 weeks, get to know when your baby is usually active, such as after a meal or when you lie on your side. There is no set number of kicks to aim for; what matters is any change from your own baby's normal pattern.

What should I do if my baby is moving less?

Do not wait or try to wake your baby. Call your hospital or doctor straight away if movements slow down or change from the usual pattern, or if something just feels off.

Do babies sleep in the womb?

Yes. Babies sleep in cycles, often around 20 to 40 minutes, so short quiet spells are normal. A long quiet spell or a clear drop in movements is not normal, and needs a check straight away.