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What are Fetal Movements?

Erin J. Hill
Erin J. Hill

Fetal movements refer to the movements of an unborn child while in utero. They are an important indicator of fetal health in some instances, as a lack of fetal movement can signal a problem. Doctors may have expectant mothers do “kick counts” to determine the likelihood of fetal stress, or movements may be viewed on an ultrasound machine.

The first fetal movements are generally felt between 14 and 22 weeks of pregnancy. Some women report movements as early as 10 or 11 weeks, although other sensations like gas can often be mistaken for the earliest kicks. Although it is different for everyone, the first movements are described as feeling like butterfly wings, gas bubbles, flutters, or a slight poking sensation. These gradually become stronger kicks, prods, and pokes as the pregnancy progresses. Women who have had babies previously will likely notice the first movements earlier than first timers, mostly because they are better able to differentiate between other sensations and movements.

Mothers can keep track of kicks once they become regular.
Mothers can keep track of kicks once they become regular.

No two babies develop in exactly the same way, so even if kicks aren’t felt by 22 weeks, it doesn’t always indicate a problem. In most cases, the baby is too far into the pelvis to be felt by that time or is in another position which makes his kicking harder to feel. An overweight woman may also feel her baby’s movements later than a woman with a slender frame.

Fetal movements may be viewed on an ultrasound machine.
Fetal movements may be viewed on an ultrasound machine.

If fetal movements still aren’t felt by 24 or 25 weeks, a doctor may want to do an ultrasound to make sure the fetus is all right. In most cases, everything is fine. If a problem is suspected, however, a non-stress test may be performed or a biophysical profile. Most times, the lack of kicks this early in pregnancy does not indicate a problem. In many cases, the gestational age will be off and the mother may be a few weeks earlier in her pregnancy than realized.

Viewing fetal movements on an ultrasound can be an exciting moment for couples.
Viewing fetal movements on an ultrasound can be an exciting moment for couples.

Once kicks are felt regularly, mothers can begin keeping track of when their babies are most active and of how many kicks are usually felt per day. There is no need to become obsessed with counting kicks, but if fetal movements seem less frequent than usual, it may be a good idea to time them for an hour or two. At least ten movements, including kicks, flops, rolls, nudges, and hiccups, should be felt within two hours.

Fetal movements will likely start between 14 and 22 weeks into a pregnancy.
Fetal movements will likely start between 14 and 22 weeks into a pregnancy.

As general rule of thumb, kicks should be counted when the mother is lying down or sitting very still. During the day the fetus is often lulled to sleep by the frequent movements of his mom walking around or exercising, but at night he wakes up and becomes more active while she is sitting still or trying to sleep. Drinking a glass of ice water or gently poking the abdomen may also stimulate fetal activity. If few or no kicks are noticed within one or two hours, a doctor or midwife should be notified.

Discussion Comments

Kat919

My midwife asked me to keep a kick count at one point, but I found this really difficult! Sure, sometimes you can definitely feel an elbow in your ribs, but a lot of the time, I wasn't sure if I was feeling fetal movements or just a touch of indigestion. She said, though, that the important thing was to make sure I was feeling at least ten movements in two hours and that it didn't get less from day to day.

I had asked about kick counts earlier on, but she said you shouldn't try it until 28 weeks. Before that, most women just can't feel their baby's movements consistently enough to count them.

rugbygirl

I was worried when I hadn't felt fetal movement at 20 weeks, but my doctor said it was totally normal. I had a routine ultrasound at that time and we could see the baby moving around like crazy! The doc said that especially with your first baby, it can take a while before the uterus is thin enough to feel movement through.

By a couple of weeks after that, I was sure I could feel her moving. It was fun to start noticing what seemed to make her move more. (She seemed to really like sweets!)

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    • Mothers can keep track of kicks once they become regular.
      By: hartphotography
      Mothers can keep track of kicks once they become regular.
    • Fetal movements may be viewed on an ultrasound machine.
      By: poco_bw
      Fetal movements may be viewed on an ultrasound machine.
    • Viewing fetal movements on an ultrasound can be an exciting moment for couples.
      By: DNF-Style
      Viewing fetal movements on an ultrasound can be an exciting moment for couples.
    • Fetal movements will likely start between 14 and 22 weeks into a pregnancy.
      By: Noel Powell
      Fetal movements will likely start between 14 and 22 weeks into a pregnancy.
    • Fetal movments are often an important indicator of fetal health.
      By: Alexandr Vasilyev
      Fetal movments are often an important indicator of fetal health.
    • Drinking ice water may help to stimulate fetal activity.
      By: diego cervo
      Drinking ice water may help to stimulate fetal activity.