Kick Counts and Baby Flips

What to Expect From Fetal Movement

There's a moment — somewhere between the nausea fading and your bump finally making its debut — when you start wondering: Should I be feeling something by now? Not emotions (you've got plenty of those), but actual, literal kicks. Movement. Flutters. Signs that this tiny human inside you is more than just a blurry sonogram. For many first-time moms, fetal movement becomes the next big milestone, and it's wrapped in equal parts wonder, confusion, and, let's be honest, low-key anxiety.

I remember lying in bed around 18 weeks, one hand on my belly, the other clutching my phone as I typed "what does fetal movement feel like first-time mom." I was convinced I either missed it, misread it, or something was wrong. The thing is, no one tells you that it doesn't feel like a kick at first. There's no drumroll or baby-sized stomp. It's more subtle than that. More personal. And it's totally normal not to know what you're looking for at first. So let's break it all down: when to expect those first magical (and sometimes mystifying) movements, what they feel like, and when it's time to check in with your provider.

When Do You Start Feeling Baby Move?

First things first: fetal movement doesn't follow a strict schedule. On average, most first-time moms feel baby move between 18 and 22 weeks. Some earlier, some later — and both are within the range of normal. If you've got a posterior placenta (where the placenta attaches to the back wall of the uterus), you might feel movement a bit sooner. On the flip side, an anterior placenta (front wall) can cushion those kicks and delay your ability to detect them clearly.

Also, your body's awareness plays a role. If you're someone who's go-go-go all day, you might not notice those subtle first flutters until you finally slow down. That's why so many mamas feel movement while lying down at night or first thing in the morning — baby's been moving, but now you're still enough to actually feel it.

What Do Early Movements Feel Like?

Let's just say this: no one describes it the same way, and that's half the fun (and frustration). The earliest fetal movements are commonly compared to:

• Popcorn popping
• Butterflies in your belly
• Tiny muscle twitches
• Bubbles rising in soda
• A goldfish doing slow backflips (yes, really)

It does not feel like a dramatic kick right away. That comes later. At first, you may think it's gas, digestion, or just general weirdness. Over time, though, the patterns become more distinct. Those flutters evolve into nudges, then rolls, and eventually into full-on kicks, stretches, and body slams (thanks, third trimester).

By around 24–26 weeks, most mamas can start to identify not just that the baby is moving, but what kind of movement it is. You'll start noticing patterns — maybe your little one is a night owl, or they go wild after you eat or drink something sweet.

Baby Movement Timeline: What to Expect Week-by-Week

Here's a rough breakdown to keep you grounded:

• Weeks 16–18: Some early birds (especially second-time moms) may feel fluttering. If you don't, don't stress.
• Weeks 18–22: First movements often begin. Think: gas bubbles you want to believe are baby.
• Weeks 22–26: Movements become more defined. Kicks, turns, and squirms start to show up.
• Weeks 26–28: You'll begin to notice a rhythm — your baby's personal activity schedule.
• 28+ Weeks: Time to start kick counts (more on that in a sec), and movement should feel stronger and more regular.

Kick Counts: How, When, and Why to Do Them

Around 28 weeks, many providers recommend starting kick counts to monitor your baby's well-being. The idea? Track how long it takes to feel 10 distinct movements — kicks, rolls, punches, or swishes — during a period when your baby is usually active.

Here's how to do it:

1. Pick a time when your baby tends to move (often after meals or in the evening).
2. Sit or lie on your left side in a quiet space.
3. Time how long it takes to feel 10 movements.
4. Ideally, you should feel 10 within 2 hours, but many babies do it in 30 minutes or less.

If your baby isn't moving much, try drinking something cold, eating a snack, or gently pressing on your belly. Still no dice after trying all that? Call your provider — not because you need to panic, but because peace of mind is priceless.

When to Call Your Provider (And When You're Probably Fine)

Here's the deal: fetal movement is an indicator of well-being, but one quiet day doesn't automatically mean something is wrong. Babies have chill days just like we do. That said, your gut matters.

✅ When to feel reassured:

• Movement is inconsistent before 28 weeks.
• Baby has a quiet patch but comes back swinging later.
• You feel some motion daily, even if it's subtle.

🚨 When to check in:

• You've been feeling movement regularly, and suddenly it stops or significantly decreases.
• You do a kick count and don't get 10 movements in 2 hours.
• You feel something is "off" — always trust that instinct.

Providers would much rather hear from you and say, "Everything looks great," than have you sitting home spiraling. No one is judging you for calling. That's what they're there for.

Real Talk: Why This Milestone Messes With Your Head

Here's the unfiltered truth: fetal movement is magical and mentally exhausting. It's the first real connection between you and your baby — but also the first lesson in uncertainty. There's no chart that tells you exactly what's "normal," no perfect comparison to another mom's experience.

You might cry when you feel your baby move for the first time… or you might not be totally sure it even was a movement. You might obsess over their patterns, or poke your belly 20 times a night just to make sure they're still in there doing somersaults. All of that? Completely normal.

This is you learning to trust your instincts, tune into your body, and slowly step into the role of someone whose love runs deep enough to worry — even when everything is fine.

TL;DR: Fetal Movement, Simplified

• First flutters? Usually between 18–22 weeks (later is okay!)
• What it feels like: Bubbles, twitches, soft pops — not kicks at first
• Kick counts: Start around 28 weeks, 10 movements in 2 hours
• Worry-worthy: Big changes in pattern, especially post-28 weeks
• Your gut matters: When in doubt, call your provider

So here's your reminder, mama: you're doing more than enough. It's okay to overthink. It's okay to feel unsure. You're already showing up in the biggest way — and those tiny thumps in your belly? They're just the beginning of how deeply your baby is going to feel that love.

💬 Found this helpful? Text it to a fellow FTM or drop it in the group chat — someone else is definitely wondering the same thing tonight.