You can typically feel your baby kicking, also known as "quickening," between about 16 and 25 weeks of pregnancy. For first-time mothers, it is more common to feel these movements closer to 20-24 weeks, while women who have been pregnant before may start feeling them as early as 13 to 16 weeks. The baby's movements at first may feel like fluttering, butterflies, or gentle tumbling, and over time the kicks and movements become more distinct and frequent. The sensation you feel can depend on factors like whether it's your first pregnancy, the position of the placenta, and the amount of amniotic fluid. Movements tend to be more noticeable when resting quietly, often in the evening or at night. By the third trimester, movements become stronger and more regular. In summary:
- First noticeable baby kicks (quickening): between 16-25 weeks
- First pregnancy: closer to 20-24 weeks
- Subsequent pregnancies: sometimes as early as 13-16 weeks
- Feeling usually occurs when resting or lying down
- Movements become stronger and more frequent as pregnancy progresses
This timeline and experience provide reassurance about the baby's development and growth inside the womb.
