As a mother-to-be, one of the most exciting moments during pregnancy is feeling your baby move for the first time. It’s a sign that your little one is growing and developing inside you. But when can you expect to feel those first flutters, kicks, and rolls?
Typically, women start to feel their baby move between 16 and 25 weeks of pregnancy. However, this can vary depending on factors such as the position of the placenta, the size of the baby, and whether it’s your first or subsequent pregnancy.
If you’re a first-time mom, you may not recognize the movements at first. They can feel like gas bubbles or fluttering sensations in your lower abdomen. As your baby grows and becomes stronger, you’ll start to feel more distinct kicks and jabs.
It’s important to note that every pregnancy is different, so don’t worry if you don’t feel movement right away.
Some women may not feel anything until closer to 25 weeks or even later.
If you’re concerned about not feeling movement or have any other concerns about your pregnancy, talk to your healthcare provider. They can perform an ultrasound or other tests to ensure everything is progressing as it should be.
Once you start feeling movement regularly, it’s important to keep track of it. This can help you monitor your baby’s health and development. You can use a kick counter app or simply keep track of how often you feel movement throughout the day.
In some cases, decreased fetal movement could be a sign of potential problems such as fetal distress or growth restriction. If you notice a decrease in movement or have any concerns about your baby’s activity level, contact your healthcare provider right away.
Feeling your baby move for the first time is an incredible experience that many mothers cherish throughout their pregnancies. While it may take some time before those movements become regular and noticeable, they’re worth waiting for. Enjoy this special time with your little one and don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
