One of the most exciting parts of pregnancy is feeling your baby move inside of you. Those fluttery feelings often called “quickening” are often the first indication for many women that they are pregnant.

But as your pregnancy progresses, the movements become more pronounced and easier to feel, leading to full-blown kicks and rolls.

It’s essential to understand what’s happening inside your growing belly and what your baby’s movements mean. Here’s everything you need to know about pregnancy kicks:.

When Will I Start Feeling My Baby Move?

Generally speaking, you can expect to feel your baby move between 16 to 25 weeks of pregnancy. However, women who have had previous pregnancies and know the sensation might identify the kicks earlier.

Conversely, first-time mothers may not feel any movement until later in the pregnancy.

The baby’s movements start as tiny flutters that are often mistaken for gas bubbles. As the baby grows and develops, the movement becomes stronger and easier to identify.

When your baby grows, you might notice patterns of wakefulness and sleep such that when the baby is awake, it may kick more actively.

What Do Pregnancy Kicks Feel Like?

Baby movements during pregnancy feel different to everyone. Some describe them as a gentle fluttering, while others compare them to a butterfly wing flapping or popcorn popping.

However, as the baby grows, the movements become more noticeable, and it’s easier to differentiate kicks, stretches, and rolls. Some sensations that commonly occur include:.

Fluttering
Rolls
Jabs
Twists

As your pregnancy progresses, and your baby grows stronger, you might notice a few kicks that are so strong that they take your breath away briefly. It might even wake you up in the middle of the night with its sudden, swift movements.

Why Are Fetal Movements Important?

Baby movements are essential because they indicate the well-being of your growing bundle of joy. When your baby moves, it indicates that it is not only alive but also getting all the nutrients it needs to thrive.

Limited or no movement could indicate potential problems in the pregnancy, such as slowed fetal growth, poor nutrition, or suffocation.

Therefore, it is crucial to monitor the movement of your baby as they grow. Observe how often your baby moves and establish a baseline, and you can tell when something is different or off.

Seek medical attention quickly if you think the movements are reduced, increased, or entirely absent.

How Can I Ensure My Baby Keeps Moving?

There is no sure way to trigger your baby to move during pregnancy, but there are a few things you can do to keep your baby active, including:.

Lie down on your side or put your feet up to encourage your baby to move
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, which helps to provide a comfortable environment for your baby to move around
Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet that provides sufficient nutrients for your baby’s growth

When Should I Call My Doctor?

If you are concerned about your baby’s movement, always call your medical provider. Your midwife or doctor can assess whether everything is alright by doing further testing or recommending observation. Some warning signs to look out for include:.

No movement for several hours
Sudden, sharp movements
Reduced movement compared to what you are used to
Signs of a change in movement patterns

Most of the time, reduced movements of a baby indicate nothing concerning. However, it is always best to request a medical evaluation and avoid putting the baby’s health at risk.

Conclusion

Your baby’s movements inside your womb are precious and critical indicators of its growth and well-being. Despite what you might feel, there is no one way to experience pregnancy kicks, and they differ from person to person.

As you notice your baby growing stronger and kicking more, monitor the movements carefully and note any changes to determine when to seek medical attention.