Posted on October 13, 2025
Waiting to feel your baby move for the first time is one of the most exciting and nerve-wracking parts of pregnancy. Is that gas, or was that the baby? The journey from those first, barely-there flutters to unmistakable karate chops is a magical one. Here’s a general roadmap of what you can expect, but remember—every baby has their own schedule!
Sometime in your second trimester, you'll experience what's known as the "quickening." It’s not a horror movie, it’s the charming name for your baby's first movements! If it's your first pregnancy, you might not notice them until you're closer to 25 weeks. If you've been pregnant before, you might feel them as early as 16 weeks. These first movements are incredibly subtle and often feel like little bubbles, flutters, or a gentle tumbling. They're so light that it's easy to mistake them for something else, so don't worry if you're not sure at first!
As your baby packs on the pounds and gets stronger, their movements will become impossible to ignore. Those delicate flutters will graduate to more distinct jabs, pokes, and kicks. This is usually when your doctor or midwife will suggest you start paying more attention and begin your daily kick-counting ritual. It's the start of your new job as your baby's personal movement monitor!
Welcome to the third trimester! This is when your baby's movements are often at their strongest and most frequent. You'll really start to learn their unique rhythm as they settle into their own sleep and wake cycles. You might discover you have a little night owl who loves to party as soon as you lie down, or a morning person who greets the day with a series of stretches. This is the prime time to use a Fetal Movement Counter app to learn and log their patterns.
As your baby gets more cramped in their living quarters, the feeling of their movements might change. You may feel fewer of those sharp, surprising kicks and more slow, powerful, rolling sensations as they stretch and squirm. But here's a crucial myth-buster: babies do **not** move less as you get closer to your due date. The *type* of movement might feel different, but the *frequency* should stay the same. They should be just as active as ever, right up until it's time to meet them.
No matter where you are in your pregnancy, tuning into your baby's unique rhythm is the most important thing. It’s your personal, built-in guide to their well-being.
Just a friendly reminder: This article is for informational purposes only and isn't a substitute for professional medical advice. Always chat with your healthcare provider about any concerns you have during your pregnancy.
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