Know What's Normal — and When to Check In

When It Comes to Fetal Movements

The first time you feel your baby move is kind of sacred. It starts subtly — like the gentle stroke of wings or the flicker of bubbles in still water. But that little flap is not just a milestone; it is the start of a conversation. A rhythm. One that seems to deepen week by week. And as baby's movement progresses from whispers to rolls and kicks, they're one of the most reassuring indicators that all is well.

But it's perfectly natural to be unsure of what's "normal." Fetal movement can be difficult to gauge — especially because some days baby feels like they're throwing a dance party in your belly, and other days… crickets. The stillness can feel eerie. It can bring you to a halt, listen more closely, wonder more widely. And if you've ever settled in, ticked off the minutes and wished you could just get one little nudge to let you know you're not solo—you're not alone. This post is to help you to make sense of your baby's natural rhythm, become aware of what patterns are normal, and to know when to seek help with both confidence and calm.

🌿 What Fetal Movement Feels Like (And When It Starts)

There is no one script for fetal movement, and it can vary for everyone. Most people begin to feel it between 18 and 25 weeks of pregnancy. If this is your first baby, it might take you longer to identify those first feeling sensations. They can feel like:

• Gentle flutters
• A more subtle popcorn popping sensation
• Light tapping or swishing
• Sleep to roller or shift sleep from side.

As your baby develops, these activities become more vigorous. By the third trimester, you may feel sharp little jabs, rhythmic kicks and slow, rolling sensations that feel like your baby stretching or turning. It's all a part of their increasing strength and shifting stance.

💡 Tip: You're more likely to detect movement when you're still — sitting quietly, lying down, or settling down before bed. Many babies are most active in the evening hours.

🌙 Why Baby's Movement Is Important

Fetal movement is one of the primary signs that your baby is thriving. It's their version of letting you know they're active and thriving. This is why it is such a powerful tool to pay attention to movement patterns, especially in the third trimester (starting at 28 weeks).

And while movement can be different (because your tightening womb has less room to stretch out) as your baby grows bigger, it should not stop — or dramatically decrease. A healthy baby will still have regular movement patterns, but the type of movement can change from sharp kicks to more of a rolling and stretching sensation.

Your provider may suggest kick counts to help you keep track of your baby's activity and be able to detect changes early. But every bit as important as counting is becoming familiar with your baby's individual rhythm, your little personality kicking to life inside you.

🧘🏽‍♀️ Kick Counts (The Mindful Way)

Many care providers recommend daily kick counts starting around 28 weeks. It's a comforting way to connect with your baby while practicing presence and mindfulness."

Here's how to do it:

🌸 Simple Kick Count Method:

• Start with a time of day when your baby is usually active.
• Either lay on your left side, or you can also sit with your feet up.
• Put a hand on your belly and record the time.
• Count every movement — kick, twist, jab, flutter, roll.
• You should feel 10 movements in the span of 2 hours — most babies will get to 10 in a half hour or less.

You don't have to do kick counts all day — just once a day during the time when baby is typically active will do. And remember: You know your baby better than anyone. If their normal rhythm seems "off," that's a reason to check in.

🌼 Bonus holistic tip: Some mamas also like to burn a candle, listen to soft music or journal while doing kick counts. This is a great time to center yourself and connect with your baby.

💛 What's Normal … and When to Check In

Here's what is typically normal:

• Movement begins from around 18–25 weeks
• Found by 28 weeks to be more consistent
• The rhythms develop: baby is more active at some times of day
• Each week — each floor — through it, movements continue (but change in type) into the final weeks

And here's when to contact your provider:

• Baby is less active than usual or has an abrupt decrease in activity
• Ko you did not listen 10 movement in 2 hour for one kick count
• You observe no signs of activity whatsoever
• You sense something that, instinctively, doesn't feel right about it

There is no such thing as "bothering your doctor." You deserve to be safe, to be seen, to be supported. Your baby's movement is worth tuning into — and your intuition is always worth trusting.

🌼 A Closing Note from the Heart

One of the loveliest — and at times most emotional — aspects of the third trimester is getting in tune with your baby's movements. It's how you begin to trust yourself as a parent. It's how you start to understand your baby's language before they even utter a word.

Follow your curiosity, not your fear. Give yourself space to pause as needed. And understand that your instincts are not merely welcome — they're wise.

You're doing beautifully. You are in tune. You are enough.

✨ "I believe in my baby's rhythm. I trust my body's wisdom." ✨