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Fetal Movement - WebMD: When You Feel Baby Kick

Written by Stephanie Watson

In this Article

• When Will I Feel My Baby Kicking?
• What Does the Baby's Kicking Feel Like?
• How Often Should I Feel My Baby Moving?
• Should I Monitor My Baby's Kicking?
• If You Don't Feel Your Baby Moving
• Timeline of Baby Movement

One of the most exciting moments in your pregnancy is when you feel those first little flutters of your baby kicking. These tiny movements reassure you that your baby is developing and help you feel closer to the little life inside of you.

When Will I Feel My Baby Kicking?

You should feel your baby's first movements, called "quickening," between weeks 16 and 25 of your pregnancy. If this is your first pregnancy, you may not feel your baby move until closer to 25 weeks. By the second pregnancy, some women start to feel movements as early as 13 weeks. You're more likely to feel baby move when you're in a quiet position, either sitting or lying down.

What Does the Baby's Kicking Feel Like?

Pregnant women describe their baby's movements as butterflies, nervous twitches, or a tumbling motion. At first, it may be hard to tell whether your baby has moved. Second- and third-time moms are more adept at distinguishing those first baby movements from gas, hunger pangs, and other internal motions.

By your second and third trimesters, the movements should be more distinct, and you'll be able to feel your baby's kicks, jabs, and elbows.

How Often Should I Feel My Baby Moving?

Early in your pregnancy, you may just feel a few flutters every now and then. But as your baby grows -- usually by the end of the second trimester -- the kicks should grow stronger and more frequent. Studies show that by the third trimester, the baby moves about 30 times each hour.

Babies tend to move more at certain times of the day as they alternate between alertness and sleep. They are usually most active between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m., right as you're trying to get to sleep. This surge in activity is due to your changing blood sugar levels. Babies also can respond to sounds or touch, and may even kick your partner in the back if you snuggle too close in bed.

Should I Monitor My Baby's Kicking?

Once your baby's movements are well established (usually by week 28), some doctors recommend keeping track of all those little punches, jabs, and kicks to make sure your baby is still developing the way they should. This is known as a fetal movement assessment, fetal kick count, or fetal movement counting.

Obstetricians recommend moms do fetal movement counts. While reduced movements or counts done at home can be worrisome, they may not be reliable. If you feel your baby is moving or kicking less often than normal, contact your doctor. 

Counting is a lot harder when you have twins. You may not be able to tell which baby is moving. Even so, many doctors recommend it as a way to keep track.

If you are counting, it helps to chart your baby's kicks so that you can keep track of your baby's normal patterns of movement. To count movements, pick a time when your baby is usually most active (often, this is right after you've eaten a meal). Get into a comfortable position either sitting down in a comfortable chair or lying on your side. If you lie down, lie on your left side, so your baby will have better circulation.

Opinion varies as to how to count your baby's movements, but the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends noting the time it takes for your baby to make 10 movements. You should feel at least 10 movements within a 2-hour period.

If you can't feel 10 movements in 2 hours despite eating something and fully focusing on the baby's movements, call your doctor for advice on what to do next.

If You Don't Feel Your Baby Moving

If you haven't yet reached 25 weeks and don't feel your baby move, or you're not sure that what you're feeling is actually your baby, don't panic. As your baby grows, you'll be able to better distinguish their movements. You'll also figure out at what times of the day your baby is most active. Some babies just naturally move less often than others.

A lack of movement also may mean that your baby is asleep. You may feel fewer kicks and jabs after the 32nd week as your baby gets bigger and has less room to move around in the uterus.

If your baby has started to move regularly and you don't feel at least 10 movements within a 2-hour period, or the movements have slowed significantly, it's time to call your doctor.

Timeline of Baby Movement

Here is a guide to your baby's possible movements.

Week 12: Your baby should start to move, but you probably won't be able to feel anything because the baby is still so small.

Week 16: Some pregnant women will start to feel tiny butterfly-like flutters. The feeling might just be gas, or it might be the baby moving.

Week 20: By this point in your baby's development, you may start to really feel your baby's first movements, called "quickening."

Week 24: The baby's movements are starting to become more established. You might also begin to feel slight twitches as your baby hiccups.

Week 28: Your baby is moving often now. Some of the kicks and jabs may take your breath away.

Week 36: Your uterus is getting crowded as the baby grows, and movements should slow down a bit. However, alert your doctor if you notice significant changes in your baby’s usual activity. You should feel consistent movement throughout the day.

1-4 weeks of pregnancy

From a tiny fetus to a small person, a child's body develops in just 9 months. What changes are happening to the expectant mother and what changes are observed inside her during this difficult and joyful period of life?

Each new life begins with the union of the egg and sperm. Conception is the process by which a sperm enters an egg and fertilizes it.

It should be noted that the embryonic and obstetric terms are different. The thing is that among specialists it is customary to consider the period from the first day of the last menstruation, that is, the obstetric period includes the period of preparation for pregnancy. So it turns out that the embryo has just appeared, and the gestation period is already two weeks. It is the obstetric period that is indicated in all the documents of a woman and is the only reporting period for specialists. nine0003

Until the moment of the meeting, the spermatozoon and the ovum lived for a certain time, being in the stage of development and maturation. The development of the future fetus significantly depends on the quality of these processes.

First week

Growth and maturation of the egg starts from the first day of the cycle. A mature egg contains 23 chromosomes as the genetic material for the future embryo, and also contains all the nutrients necessary to start its development. It contains reserves of carbohydrates, proteins and fats, designed to support the embryo during the first days after its occurrence. nine0003

A certain number of eggs are laid in each ovary of a girl before she is born. During the childbearing period, they only grow and develop, the process of their formation does not occur. By the time a girl is born, the number of cells from which eggs can develop in the future reaches a million, but this number decreases significantly over the course of life. So, by the time of puberty, there are several hundred thousand of them, and by maturity - about 500.

The ovary each month gives the opportunity to develop most often one egg, the maturation of which occurs inside a vesicle with a liquid called a follicle. From the first day of the cycle, the uterine mucosa begins to prepare for a possible pregnancy. For implantation, i.e., the introduction of the resulting embryo into the wall of the uterus, an optimal environment is created. To do this, due to the influence of hormones, the endometrium thickens, it becomes covered with a network of vessels and accumulates the nutrients necessary for the future embryo. nine0003

Male reproductive cells are formed in the gonads - in the testicles or testes. The maturation of spermatozoa occurs in the epididymis, into which they move after formation. The liquid structure of semen is formed due to the secretion of the seminal vesicles and the prostate gland. A liquid medium is necessary for storing mature spermatozoa and creating favorable conditions for their life.

The number of spermatozoa is quite large: tens of millions in one milliliter. Despite such a significant number, only one of them will be able to fertilize the egg. In spermatozoa, there is exclusively genetic material - 23 chromosomes, which are necessary for the appearance of the embryo. nine0003

Spermatozoa are characterized by high motility. Once in the female genital tract, they begin their movement towards the egg. Only half an hour or an hour passes from the moment of ejaculation, when sperm enter the uterine cavity. It takes one and a half to two hours for spermatozoa to penetrate into the widest part, which is called the ampulla. Most spermatozoa die on the way to the egg, meeting the folds of the endometrium, getting into the vaginal environment, cervical mucus.

Second week

In the middle of the cycle, the egg fully matures and leaves the ovary. It enters the abdominal cavity. This process is called ovulation. With a regular cycle of 30 days, ovulation occurs on the fifteenth. The egg is unable to move on its own. When she leaves the follicle, the fimbriae of the fallopian tube ensure her penetration inside. The fallopian tubes are characterized by longitudinal folding, they are filled with mucus. The muscular movements of the tubes have a wave-like character, which, with a significant number of cilia, creates optimal conditions for transporting the egg. nine0003

Through the tubes, the egg enters their widest part, which is called the ampulla. This is where fertilization takes place. If there is no meeting with the sperm, the egg dies, and the female body receives the appropriate signal to start a new cycle. There is a rejection of the mucous membrane, which was created by the uterus. The manifestation of such rejection is bloody discharge, which is called menstruation.

The waiting period for fertilization by the egg is short. On average, it takes no more than a day. Fertilization is likely on the day of ovulation and maximum on the next. Sperm have a longer lifespan, averaging three to five days, in some cases seven. Accordingly, if a spermatozoon enters the female genital tract before ovulation, there is a possibility that it will be able to wait for the appearance of an egg. nine0003

When the egg is in a state of waiting for fertilization, certain substances are released that are designed to detect it. If spermatozoa find an egg, they begin to secrete special enzymes that can loosen its shell. As soon as one of the spermatozoa penetrates the egg, the others can no longer do this due to the restoration of the density of its shell. Thus, one egg can only be fertilized by one sperm. nine0003

After fertilization, the chromosome sets of the parents merge - 23 chromosomes from each. As a result, one cell is formed from two different cells, which is called a zygote. The sex of the unborn child depends on which of the chromosomes, X or Y, was in the sperm. Eggs contain only X chromosomes. When XX is combined, girls are born. If the spermatozoon contains a Y chromosome, that is, with a combination of XY, boys are born. As soon as a zygote is formed in the body, a mechanism is launched in it aimed at maintaining pregnancy. There are changes in the hormonal background, biochemical reactions, immune mechanisms, and the receipt of nerve signals. The female body creates all the necessary conditions for the safe development of the fetus. nine0003

Third week

As soon as a day has passed after the formation of the embryo, he will need to make his first journey. The movements of the cilia and the contraction of the muscles of the tube direct it into the uterine cavity. During this process, inside the egg, fragmentation into identical cells occurs.

After four days, the appearance of the egg changes: it loses its round shape and becomes vine-shaped. This stage is called morula, embryogenesis begins - an important stage in the development of the embryo, during which the formation of the rudiments of organs and tissues occurs. Cleavage of cells continues for several days, on the fifth day their complexes are formed, which have different functions. The central cluster forms directly the embryo, the outer one, called the trophoblast, is designed to melt the endometrium - the inner layer of the uterus. nine0003

It takes 5-7 days for the embryo to reach the uterus. When implantation occurs in its mucous membrane, the number of cells reaches one hundred. The term implantation refers to the process of implantation of the embryo into the endometrial layer.

After fertilization on the seventh or eighth day, implantation takes place. The first critical period of pregnancy is this stage, since the embryo will have to demonstrate its viability for the first time.

During implantation, the outer cells of the embryo actively divide, and the process itself takes about forty hours. The number of cells outside the embryo increases dramatically, they stretch, they penetrate into the uterine mucosa, and the thinnest blood vessels are formed inside, which are necessary for the supply of nutrients to the embryo. Time will pass, and these vessels will be transformed first into the chorion, and subsequently into the placenta, which will be able to supply the fetus with everything necessary until the baby is born. nine0003

The embryo at this stage of life is called a blastocyst. It contacts with the endometrium, melts the cells of the endometrium with its activity, creates a path for itself to the deeper layers. The blood vessels of the embryo intertwine with the mother's body, which allows it to immediately begin to extract useful and necessary substances for development. This is vital, because by this time the stock that the mature egg carried in itself is exhausted.

Next, the production of the trophoblast cells, i.e., the outer cells of human chorionic gonadotropin, the hCG hormone, begins. The distribution of this hormone throughout the body notifies it of the onset of pregnancy, which causes the launch of active hormonal changes and the beginning of corresponding changes in the body. nine0003

After fertilization and before the start of hCG, it usually takes eight or nine days. Therefore, already from the tenth day after fertilization, it becomes possible to determine this hormone in the mother's blood. Such an analysis is the most reliable confirmation of the onset of pregnancy. The tests that are offered today to determine pregnancy are based on the detection of this hormone in the urine of a woman. After the first day of delayed menstruation with its regular cycle, it is already possible to determine pregnancy using a test on your own. nine0003

What happens to a woman in the third week of pregnancy

If a woman is planning a pregnancy, 21-24 days, subject to a regular cycle, should become important for her. This is a period of possible implantation, when you should pay special attention to your own lifestyle. During this period, thermal effects and excessive physical exertion are undesirable, and the influence of various kinds of radiation should also be prevented.

The woman does not feel anything at this stage, because implantation has no external signs. If you adjust your lifestyle in accordance with the simple rules listed above, you will be able to create optimal conditions for successful implantation. nine0003

Fourth week

In the fourth obstetric week or the second week of the fetus's life, its body consists of two layers. Endoblast - cells of the inner layer - will become the beginning of the digestive and respiratory systems, ectoblast - cells of the outer layer - will start the development of the nervous system and skin.

The size of the embryo at this stage is 1.5 mm. The flat arrangement of the cells determined the name of the embryo of this age - the disc.

The fourth week is characterized by intensive development of extra-embryonic organs. Such organs should surround the embryo and create the most favorable conditions for its development. The future fetal membranes at this stage are called the amniotic sac, the chorion also develops, which will later become the placenta, and the yolk sac, which is a warehouse of nutrients needed by the embryo. nine0003

What happens to a woman in the fourth week of pregnancy

If a woman experiences changes in the fourth week, they are very minor. So far, hormones have not reached the level to have a significant impact on her health. Possible drowsiness, mood swings, increased sensitivity of the mammary glands.

The main helpers of the expectant mother in the fourth week, as well as throughout pregnancy, are fresh air, properly selected nutrition and good mood. nine0003

Child development by week | Regional Perinatal Center

Expectant mothers are always curious about how the fetus develops at a time when it is awaited with such impatience. Let's talk and look at the photos and pictures of how the fetus grows and develops week by week.

What does the puffer do for 9 whole months in mom's tummy? What does he feel, see and hear?

Let's start the story about the development of the fetus by weeks from the very beginning - from the moment of fertilization. A fetus up to 8 weeks old is called embryo , this occurs before the formation of all organ systems.

Embryo development: 1st week

The egg is fertilized and begins to actively split. The ovum travels to the uterus, getting rid of the membrane along the way.

On the 6th-8th days, implantation of eggs is carried out - implantation into the uterus. The egg settles on the surface of the uterine mucosa and, using the chorionic villi, attaches to the uterine mucosa.

Embryo development: 2-3 weeks

Picture of embryo development at 3 weeks.

The embryo is actively developing, starting to separate from the membranes. At this stage, the beginnings of the muscular, skeletal and nervous systems are formed. Therefore, this period of pregnancy is considered important.

Embryo development: 4–7 weeks

Fetal development by week in pictures: week 4

Fetal development by week photo: week 4

Photo of an embryo before the 6th week of pregnancy.

The heart, head, arms, legs and tail are formed in the embryo :) . Gill slit is defined. The length of the embryo at the fifth week reaches 6 mm.

Development of the fetus by weeks photo: week 5

At the 7th week, the rudiments of the eyes, stomach and chest are determined, and fingers appear on the handles. The baby already has a sense organ - the vestibular apparatus. The length of the embryo is up to 12 mm. nine0003

Fetal development: 8th week

Fetal development by weeks photo: weeks 7-8

The face of the fetus can be identified, the mouth, nose, and auricles can be distinguished. The head of the embryo is large and its length corresponds to the length of the body; the fetal body is formed. All significant, but not yet fully formed, elements of the baby's body already exist. The nervous system, muscles, skeleton continue to improve.

Fetal development in the photo already sensitive arms and legs: week 8

The fetus developed skin sensitivity in the mouth area (preparation for the sucking reflex), and later in the face and palms.

At this stage of pregnancy, the genitals are already visible. Gill slits die. The fruit reaches 20 mm in length.

Fetal development: 9–10 weeks

Fetal development by week photo: week 9

Fingers and toes already with nails. The fetus begins to move in the pregnant woman's stomach, but the mother does not feel it yet. With a special stethoscope, you can hear the baby's heartbeat. Muscles continue to develop. nine0003

Fetal development by weeks photo: week 10

The entire surface of the fetal body is sensitive and the baby develops tactile sensations with pleasure, touching his own body, the walls of the amniotic sac and the umbilical cord. It is very curious to observe this on ultrasound. By the way, the baby first moves away from the ultrasound sensor (of course, because it is cold and unusual!), And then puts his hands and heels trying to touch the sensor.

It's amazing when a mother puts her hand to her stomach, the baby tries to master the world and tries to touch with his pen "from the back". nine0189

Development of the fetus: 11–14 weeks

Development of the fetus in the photo of the legs: Week 11

Formed arms, legs and eyelids, and the genitals become distinguishable (you can find out the gender child). The fetus begins to swallow, and if something is not to its taste, for example, if something bitter got into the amniotic fluid (mother ate something), then the baby will begin to frown and stick out his tongue, making less swallowing movements. nine0003

Fruit skin appears translucent.

Fruit development: Week 12

Photo of the fetus 12 weeks per 3D ultrasound

Development of Week photo: Week 14

of the kidney. urine. Blood forms inside the bones. And hairs begin to grow on the head. Moves more coordinated.

Fetal development: 15-18 weeks

Fetal development by weeks photo: week 15

The skin turns pink, the ears and other parts of the body, including the face, are already visible. Imagine, a child can already open his mouth and blink, as well as make grasping movements. The fetus begins to actively push in the mother's tummy. The sex of the fetus can be determined by ultrasound.

Fetal development: 19-23 weeks

Fetal development by week photo: week 19

Baby sucks his thumb, becomes more energetic. Pseudo-feces are formed in the intestines of the fetus - meconium , kidneys begin to work. During this period, the brain develops very actively.

Fetal development by weeks photo: week 20

The auditory ossicles become stiff and now they are able to conduct sounds, the baby hears his mother - heartbeat, breathing, voice. The fetus intensively gains weight, fat deposits are formed. The weight of the fetus reaches 650 g, and the length is 300 mm.

The lungs at this stage of fetal development are so developed that the baby can survive in the artificial conditions of the intensive care unit. nine0003

Fetal development: 24-27 weeks

Lungs continue to develop. Now the baby is already falling asleep and waking up. Downy hairs appear on the skin, the skin becomes wrinkled and covered with grease. The cartilage of the ears and nose is still soft.

Fetal development by week photo: week 27

Lips and mouth become more sensitive. The eyes develop, open slightly and can perceive light and squint from direct sunlight. In girls, the labia majora do not yet cover the small ones, and in boys, the testicles have not yet descended into the scrotum. Fetal weight reaches 900–1200 g, and the length is 350 mm.

9 out of 10 children born at this term survive.

Fetal development: 28-32 weeks

The lungs are now adapted to breathe normal air. Breathing is rhythmic and body temperature is controlled by the CNS. The baby can cry and responds to external sounds.

Child opens eyes while awake and closes during sleep.

The skin becomes thicker, smoother and pinkish. Starting from this period, the fetus will actively gain weight and grow rapidly. Almost all babies born prematurely at this time are viable. The weight of the fetus reaches 2500 g, and the length is 450 mm. nine0003

Fetal development: 33–37 weeks

Fetal development by week photo: week 36

The fetus reacts to a light source. Muscle tone increases and the baby can turn and raise his head. On which, the hairs become silky. The child develops a grasping reflex. The lungs are fully developed.

Fetal development: 38-42 weeks

The fetus is quite developed, prepared for birth and considered mature. The baby has mastered over 70 different reflex movements. Due to the subcutaneous fatty tissue, the baby's skin is pale pink. The head is covered with hairs up to 3 cm.

Fetal development by weeks photo: week 40

The baby perfectly mastered the movements of his mother , knows when she is calm, excited, upset and reacts to this with her movements. During the intrauterine period, the fetus gets used to moving in space, which is why babies love it so much when they are carried in their arms or rolled in a stroller. For a baby, this is a completely natural state, so he will calm down and fall asleep when he is shaken.

The nails protrude beyond the tips of the fingers, the cartilages of the ears and nose are elastic. In boys, the testicles have descended into the scrotum, and in girls, the large labia cover the small ones. The weight of the fetus reaches 3200-3600 g, and the length is 480-520 mm. nine0003

After the birth, the baby longs for touching his body, because at first he cannot feel himself - the arms and legs do not obey the child as confidently as it was in the amniotic fluid. Therefore, so that your baby does not feel lonely, it is advisable to carry him in your arms, press him to you while stroking his body.

And one more thing, the baby remembers the rhythm and sound of your heart very well .

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