Baby kicks

Can’t wait to feel your baby move?

When most people think of babies moving, they imagine little feet prodding pregnant tummies or being able to see their baby kicking. But of course, at the beginning, babies are still really tiny and have plenty of room to move around without bumping into your sides. In fact, you may not even notice your baby’s movement in the early stages of pregnancy!

The first flutterings

When you feel your baby move for the first time, usually at around 17 – 21 weeks, it's very exciting –
it’s personal proof that your baby is really there and growing! Of course, all pregnancies are slightly different so yours won't run to an exact timetable, but there are cycles of baby movement you can expect. Most women report the first baby movements to feel like butterfly flutters, or gas bubbles.

Later baby movements

• 24 to 28 weeks – it's not unusual to feel your baby hiccup and while sudden loud noises won't do them any harm, they might make them 'jump'!
• Around 29 weeks – it starts getting a bit more cramped inside your womb so your baby will make smaller movements but they might feel stronger.
• Around 32 weeks – they'll probably get even more active before starting to get into their final position (hopefully head down!) at around 36 weeks. Because space will be tighter and your baby will be stronger, that's when you might find your baby’s movements a little less comfortable – particularly those baby kicks to the ribs!
• 36 to 40 weeks - it’s still very important that you feel your baby move – about 10 movements in any 12-hour period is considered normal. The amount of movement remains generally unchanged in the later part of pregnancy although it may not feel as vigorous and you may not be as aware of movements as there is less room for baby to move.

Still worried about your baby’s movements?

Most mums tend to know their baby’s activity patterns well. If you’re worried that your baby isn’t moving as much or is moving too much, contact your health care professional immediately for a check up.