Feeling your baby move for the first time

Those first flutters are one of the most exciting parts of pregnancy. Here’s when you’re likely to feel them, what they feel like, and why getting to know your baby’s pattern matters.

When will I feel my baby move?

The NHS says you should start to feel your baby move between 16 and 24 weeks of pregnancy. If this is your first baby, you might not feel movements until after 20 weeks. The NHS week 16 guide says you might be able to feel your baby kicking from week 17 onwards. If you’ve had a baby before, you may recognise the movements sooner, but the NHS doesn’t give a number for this.

If you haven’t felt any movement by 24 weeks, tell your midwife so they can check your baby’s heartbeat and movements.

What does it feel like?

Early movements are often hard to pin down. The NHS describes them as a gentle swirling or fluttering. Many people compare it to bubbles, a flutter, or a gentle tapping from inside. As pregnancy goes on, movements get stronger and the NHS says you may feel kicks and jerky movements.

Why movements matter

The NHS says you should feel your baby move right up to, and during, labour. There is no set number of movements that you should be feeling. The important thing is to get to know your baby’s own pattern, so that you notice if it changes. Your baby may be more active at some times of day than others.

If your baby’s movements slow down or change

If your baby’s movements slow down, stop or change, call your midwife or maternity unit straight away, day or night. Don’t wait until the next day, and don’t use a home doppler to check the heartbeat, because hearing a heartbeat doesn’t mean your baby is well. You also don’t need to wait for a certain number of kicks. You know your baby’s pattern best.

The NHS says to call even if it’s the middle of the night. You will not be wasting anyone’s time. Most of the time all is well, but you should always get checked.

Phantom kicks

Some people feel movements that aren’t from a baby, for example after a pregnancy loss. This is more common than people realise. If it happens to you, read phantom kicks after miscarriage.

Questions people ask

When do first-time mums feel movement?

The NHS says you might not feel movements until after 20 weeks if it’s your first baby, with most people feeling them between 16 and 24 weeks.

How many kicks should I feel?

There isn’t a set number. Get to know your baby’s usual pattern, and call straight away if it changes or slows down.

Can I use a home doppler to check?

No. The NHS says not to use a home doppler to check your baby’s heartbeat, because hearing a heartbeat doesn’t mean your baby is well.

My baby moved less today. Should I wait until morning?

No. Call your midwife or maternity unit straight away, even in the middle of the night.