Quickening is the term used when a pregnant person first perceives fetal movement. Feeling movement at 17 weeks is common, as this period falls within the typical window for detecting these initial sensations. Although the fetus has been moving for weeks, the movements are usually too small to be felt until the second trimester. The timing of quickening varies highly among individuals.
Quickening: The First Subtle Movements
Feeling the first flutter of movement at 17 weeks is possible, particularly for those who have been pregnant before. Individuals who have given birth often recognize the sensation as early as 14 to 18 weeks. For a first-time mother, the typical window for feeling movement is slightly later, often between 18 and 22 weeks. While the fetus is already moving frequently at this stage, the movements are still small and easily cushioned by the uterine environment.
What Fetal Movement Feels Like
The initial sensations of quickening are often delicate and can be confused with ordinary bodily functions like gas or digestive movements. Many describe the feeling as a faint fluttering, similar to a butterfly in the stomach. Other common descriptions include a gentle swishing, tiny pulses, or the light sensation of popcorn popping inside the abdomen.
These early movements are light because the fetus is still small and lacks the muscular strength for powerful kicks. The sensations are typically felt low in the abdomen, near the pubic bone, where the uterus is positioned. At this stage, the movements are internal and cannot be detected externally; that ability usually comes later as the baby grows larger.
Why Timing Varies Greatly
The week a person experiences quickening varies due to several physiological factors. One influential factor is the location of the placenta, specifically if it is positioned on the front wall of the uterus (an anterior placenta). This positioning acts as a cushion, absorbing the earliest movements and potentially delaying their perception.
Parity, or whether the individual has been pregnant before, also plays a large role, as experienced mothers are more attuned to the subtle sensation. Additionally, a higher body mass index (BMI) can be associated with a later perception of quickening, as increased abdominal tissue may cushion the initial movements. Daily routine can also affect timing, as active individuals may only notice the faint movements when resting quietly.
Tracking Movement Beyond 17 Weeks
Once quickening begins, the movements will progressively become stronger and more recognizable over the following weeks. The light flutters will transition into definite kicks, jabs, and rolls as the fetus grows larger and gains strength. This progression means the movements will be felt more consistently and across a wider area of the abdomen.
Formal fetal movement counting, often called “kick counts,” is not typically recommended until later in the pregnancy. Healthcare providers usually advise beginning kick counts around 28 weeks, when the movements have established a more regular pattern. If you have concerns about not feeling movement at 17 weeks or notice a significant change in activity after quickening has begun, contact your healthcare provider.