If you are pregnant, have you started to feel small movements and kicks in your womb? It is normal to feel a little strange and surprised when you first feel something like this. You may wonder if this is really the baby moving, or if it is just air getting trapped in your stomach. This is what we call "Quickening" in medical terms. When you start to feel these small movements, you will feel a great sense of relief that your baby is healthy and growing well inside the womb. Also, feeling your baby kicks is a wonderful experience that strengthens the bond between you and your baby.
How does this struggle really feel?
This experience is different for everyone. That is, one mother feels it differently than another. But in general, many people describe this first struggle in words like these.
At first, it can be a little difficult to identify exactly what this feeling is. Because the baby is still very small. His movements are very subtle and very slow to feel. Over time, you will get used to these movements of your baby, and then the movements will gradually become more intense.
| How it feels (description) | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Like a butterfly flying. | It feels like my stomach is moving very subtly. |
| A slight tapping or throbbing | It feels like a gentle tap with a finger. |
| Like bursting water bubbles. | It feels like little bubbles are bursting inside my stomach. |
| A subtle pull of the muscles | It feels like a little piece of flesh is rolling around in my body. |
| Like rolling lightly | It feels like the baby is slowly rolling around inside the womb. |
When do you start feeling your baby move?
The baby actually starts to move around 12 weeks into the pregnancy. But you won't feel it because the baby is very small at that time.
- If you've had a baby before, you may feel your baby move as early as 16 weeks. This is because the muscles in your uterus (`uterus`) may be more sensitive to movements because they have stretched a little from previous pregnancies. Also, you know this experience better than a first-time mother.
- If this is your first pregnancy, it's normal to wait until about 20 weeks before you feel your baby move. So don't worry.
There are several other reasons why the time it takes to feel this tingling sensation may vary:
- Where the placenta is located: Sometimes the placenta can be attached to the front wall of the uterus. We call it ``Anterior Placenta``. This means that the placenta is between your stomach and your uterus. In this case, it may be a little late to feel the baby's first movements.
- Baby's activity: Some babies are very active in the womb, while others are a little quiet. That also affects this.
Where in the stomach do you feel this cramping?
In the early stages, this movement is usually felt in the lower abdomen, below your navel. This is because in the early stages, the baby and the uterus are still small.
Imagine, by about 12 weeks into your pregnancy, your uterus is in your lower abdomen. It's only around 20 weeks that the top of your uterus (the `fundus`) reaches the level of your navel. That means it's only after 20 weeks that you start to feel your baby moving above your navel.
How often does the baby struggle? When do these struggles become intense enough to kick?
The frequency of baby movements varies from person to person in the early stages. You should usually feel some movement between 20 and 24 weeks. You can talk to your doctor about this.
By the third trimester (after 28 weeks), your baby's movements will become much stronger and more pronounced. You'll feel your baby kicking, kicking, and rolling over. Later, you may even feel your baby hiccups.
By this time, you should feel at least 10 movements within two hours .
If you feel less movement than this, or if you're still waiting to feel your baby's first kick, don't worry. Most of the time, your baby is healthy, just not strong enough for you to feel. But if you have any concerns or worries, be sure to talk to your doctor. He or she can check to make sure your baby is doing well and give you some reassurance.
Why is the baby struggling like this in the womb?
This is a very important question. Your baby isn't just moving around in the womb. These movements are essential for the proper development of his joints, muscles, and bones . Stretching, kicking, and rolling over are all things that prepare him for life after he comes out of the womb. If your baby isn't moving in the womb, it could be a sign of a problem with the amniotic fluid level or the placenta. However, don't panic if your baby isn't moving as much as he should. The best thing to do is to let your doctor know.
If the baby seems to be moving less, what can you do to increase movement?
Just like you, your baby has a sleep-wake cycle. Sometimes he'll be wiggling around like a worm, other times he'll be completely still. Also, when you move around during the day, the movement may wake him up and put him to sleep.
If you don't think you've felt your baby move, try these things:
- Drink a sugary drink , such as fruit juice, or eat a meal.
- Take a walk .
- Gently pat or caress your stomach .
- Play a song a little louder or talk to someone.
- Sit quietly for a while, place your hands on your belly, and pay close attention. You may be so busy that you don't notice your baby moving.
If you don't feel any movement throughout the day despite all of this, definitely talk to your doctor.
What to do if it feels like the baby has stopped moving?
As you start paying attention to your baby's movements, you'll start to notice a pattern. For example, your baby may be fussing a lot after dinner when you're about to go to bed. Knowing this pattern will help you recognize any changes quickly.
Most of the time, a slight change in this pattern is nothing to worry about. However, if you don't feel 10 movements within a few hours, call your doctor right away. 10 movements in two hours is generally considered normal. However, your doctor can explain to you what is normal for your baby and what you should expect.
Take-Home Message
- The baby's first kicks (quickening) are a very beautiful and important experience during pregnancy.
- This usually starts between 16-20 weeks. For the first baby, it can be around 20-22 weeks.
- At first, it feels like a butterfly flying, like water bubbles blowing, in a very subtle way.
- Every baby's movement pattern is different. Try to get to know your baby's pattern.
- If your baby's movements decrease significantly (e.g., less than 10 movements in 2 hours), especially during the third trimester, don't panic and let your doctor know immediately.
- Feeling your baby move is a good sign that he is growing healthily. Enjoy this beautiful time!


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