Feeling your baby move for the first time, known as “quickening,” is a significant and eagerly awaited milestone during pregnancy. This sensation marks a deepening connection and offers reassurance about the baby’s development. At 18 weeks, many expectant individuals begin to experience these initial movements, though the timing can vary considerably. This early sensation is a unique and personal experience.
Your Baby’s First Movements
Quickening typically occurs between 16 and 20 weeks of pregnancy. These early movements are often subtle and can be easily mistaken for other bodily sensations, such as gas or hunger pangs. Many describe them as gentle flutters, resembling butterflies, popping bubbles, or a soft swirling sensation. As your baby grows, these subtle movements will become more distinct, progressing to stronger kicks, punches, and rolls.
At 18 weeks, your baby is actively developing muscles and coordination, contributing to these movements. Babies at this stage are already practicing various movements like yawning, hiccupping, sucking, swallowing, twisting, rolling, punching, and kicking. While these movements are happening, the baby is still small, making the sensations soft and sometimes confusing to interpret initially.
Why Movement Sensation Varies
The timing and intensity of quickening can differ among individuals due to several factors.
Placenta Position
One significant influence is the position of the placenta. An anterior placenta, located at the front of the uterus between the baby and the mother’s abdomen, can act as a cushion. This dampens movements and makes them harder to feel, meaning individuals with an anterior placenta might not feel movements until after 20 weeks. Conversely, a posterior placenta, attached to the back of the uterus, may allow for earlier and more noticeable sensations, sometimes as early as 17-19 weeks.
Previous Pregnancies
Previous pregnancies also play a role in when movements are perceived. Individuals who have been pregnant before often recognize quickening earlier, potentially around 16 weeks. This is because their uterine muscles may be more relaxed, and they are already familiar with the unique sensations of fetal movement. First-time parents, on the other hand, may not feel movement until closer to 18-20 weeks or even later, as they learn to distinguish these new feelings.
Maternal Body Composition and Activity
Maternal body composition can also influence the perception of fetal movements. Individuals with a higher body mass index (BMI) may feel movements later and less clearly due to additional cushioning. A pregnant individual’s activity levels can also affect their ability to notice subtle movements. When busy or active, it can be more challenging to detect these gentle flutters compared to when resting quietly.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While variability in feeling fetal movement is normal, there are instances when it is appropriate to contact a healthcare provider. If you have not felt any fetal movement by 24 weeks of pregnancy, it is advisable to reach out to your midwife or local maternity unit. They can check the baby’s heartbeat and may arrange an ultrasound to assess the baby’s well-being.
Once movements become regular, typically in the third trimester, it is important to be aware of your baby’s usual pattern. A sudden, significant decrease in previously established movements or a change in the baby’s normal movement pattern warrants immediate medical attention. Contact your healthcare provider or go to the hospital if you have concerns, as changes in movement can sometimes be an early sign that a baby needs evaluation.