Understanding baby movements

One of the most magical moments in pregnancy is when you first feel your baby move. Those early flutters are not just exciting—they’re also an important sign of your baby’s growth and wellbeing.

Understanding baby movements can help you connect more deeply with your pregnancy while also giving you confidence that things are progressing normally. Here’s everything you need to know about fetal movement during the second trimester—when it starts, what it feels like, and how to track it as your pregnancy progresses.

When Do You Start to Feel Baby Move?

Most women start to feel baby movements between 18 and 24 weeks, although it can happen a little earlier or later depending on a few factors:

• First-time mums may not notice movement until closer to 22–24 weeks.
• If this is your second or third pregnancy, you may recognise movements as early as 16 weeks.
• Women with an anterior placenta (when the placenta sits at the front of the uterus) may feel movements a bit later or less strongly at first.

Every pregnancy is unique, so don’t worry if your timeline is slightly different from others.

What Do Baby Movements Feel Like?

In the early stages, baby movements can feel like:

• Light fluttering or bubbles
• Gentle tapping
• Soft rolls or swishes

Many mums describe the first sensations as feeling like gas, butterflies, or popcorn popping. As your baby grows, movements become stronger and more defined—turning into kicks, stretches, jabs, and even hiccups.

How Often Should You Feel Movement?

In the second trimester, movement may be irregular. You might feel baby one day and not the next, especially in the early weeks. This is normal.

By the third trimester, movement becomes more consistent, and most providers will recommend tracking patterns (often called “kick counts”) daily.

At this stage, focus more on getting to know your baby’s unique pattern than counting specific numbers.

What Influences Baby’s Movement?

There are many reasons baby might move more or less on a given day:

• Time of day (babies are often more active at night)
• Your position (you’ll likely feel more when lying still or resting)
• Your activity level (movement may rock baby to sleep)
• What you’ve eaten—some foods and drinks (like orange juice or cold water) can stimulate movement
• Baby’s sleep cycles (yes, they nap in the womb!)

When to Contact Your Doctor or Midwife

In the second trimester, occasional gaps between movements are normal. But if you’ve felt your baby move before and then notice a sudden drop in activity, it’s worth checking in.

Contact your provider if:

• You feel significantly fewer movements than usual
• You’re concerned or unsure about what you’re feeling
• You haven’t felt any movement at all by 24 weeks

Your instincts matter—never hesitate to speak up if something doesn’t feel right. Your care team will be glad you checked in.

How to Encourage Movement If You’re Not Sure

If you’re unsure whether baby is moving, try:

• Drinking a glass of cold water or fruit juice
• Lying on your left side and staying still
• Placing your hands on your belly and tuning in
• Playing music or talking to your baby

Still not sure? Call your provider. It’s always better to check than wait.

Connecting Emotionally Through Movement

Feeling your baby move is more than just a physical sensation—it’s a powerful emotional connection. Many mums find that movements make pregnancy feel more real, more personal, and more exciting.

You can build on this connection by:

• Talking or singing to your baby
• Involving your partner by letting them feel kicks
• Noting special moments in a pregnancy journal

These little kicks and rolls are your baby’s way of saying “hello”—a tiny bond forming before birth.