When should I start to feel my baby kick?
‘Most women start to feel their baby kick between 18 to 20 weeks, or earlier – around 15 weeks – if it’s a second or third child,’ says Prima Baby’s midwife Nikki Khan. ‘Other women are past the 20-week mark before they feel anything, and that’s normal, too.’
What exactly do the baby’smovements feel like?
‘The first movements are known as “quickening” and feel light and fluttery,’ says Nikki. ‘Some women don’t realise it’s their baby at first, mistaking the movements for wind or a grumbly tummy. The movements get stronger as the baby grows, and you start to recognise and look out for them. Towards the end of your pregnancy, there’s usually no mistaking them – although be aware that once the head descends into the pelvis, the movements may feel different. You’ll feel the weight of your baby’s head on your pelvic floor and kicking under your ribs.’
How regularly should I feel my baby move?
There’s no ‘correct’ frequency, as it’s different for every woman. ‘Mums-to-be used to be asked to
keep a record of their baby’s movements, but it can be more worrying than reassuring, so we no longer do this,’ says Nikki. ‘It’s better to become familiar with your baby’s “routine” and monitor that – you may find she’s more lively in the mornings, or when you’re going to sleep, for instance. Then you’ll know what’s normal for your baby.’
I’m not feeling anything at all. Do all women feel their baby kicking?
The short answer is, no. ‘If the placenta is at the front of the bump – what’s known as an anterior placenta – this may cushion your baby’s movements so that you don’t feel them until later on in your pregnancy and, even then, not much at all,’ says Nikki. ‘This is usually nothing to worry about, and your sonographer will be able to advise you on the position of your placenta at each scan.’
I haven’t felt my baby move around much today. How can I encourage her?
‘If you haven’t had much to eat or drink that day, your baby may become lethargic and move less,’ says Nikki. ‘Have a light, nutritious snack and see if it helps. Sometimes, we’re so busy we’re simply not concentrating on our baby and miss regular movements that way. If you are able to, take some quiet time to relax, and reconnect with your baby, focusing on feeling her move. A glass of ice-cold water will often get her moving – it’s thought that your baby can feel the change in temperature and will try to move away from it. If you’re at all worried, trust your instincts and call your midwife. She can have a listen and monitor you properly to put your mind at rest.’
