Posted on October 18, 2025
One of the coolest parts of pregnancy is realizing your baby has a whole secret language of movements. It's not just kicks in there! Learning to decode their wiggles, rolls, and jabs is a fun way to feel even more connected. While pretty much any movement counts toward your daily kick count, here’s a little guide to what you might be feeling.
When to expect it: Around 16-25 weeks.
This is the first, magical sign of life, often called the "quickening." It’s so light and subtle that you'll probably spend a few days wondering if it was just a gas bubble or a muscle twitch. It’s your tiny baby, just starting to make their presence known as they float around in there.
When to expect it: From about 24 weeks on.
This is the main event! As your baby gets bigger and stronger, those gentle flutters will be replaced by definite, powerful jabs. This is the kind of movement that makes you say, "Whoa!" and might even make your whole belly jump. There's no mistaking this one.
When to expect it: Anytime, but it's most common in the second and third trimesters.
If you feel a steady, rhythmic, pulsing sensation, your baby probably has a case of the hiccups. It's completely normal and is actually a good sign that their respiratory system is maturing. While they're super cute, you don't need to count hiccups as part of your daily kick count.
When to expect it: Mostly in the third trimester.
As your baby starts running out of room, you might notice fewer sharp kicks and more slow, rolling, or squirming motions. It can feel like a giant wave moving across your stomach as your baby tries to change position. These are big, powerful movements, and they absolutely count toward your daily total!
When to expect it: Anytime.
Ever notice your baby do a sudden, jerky, all-body jump after a loud noise? That's their startle reflex (also called the Moro reflex), and it's the same one they'll have after they're born. It's a great sign of a healthy, developing nervous system.
No matter what kind of party your baby is throwing in there, remember that all of these movements (with the exception of hiccups) can be logged in your Fetal Movement Counter app. The most important thing is to learn your baby's own unique signature of kicks, rolls, and wiggles.
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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