Fetal movement in pregnancy
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When is fetal movement usually felt?
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@nidhish Most women feel the beginnings of fetal movement before 20 weeks' gestation. In a first pregnancy, this can occur around 18 weeks' gestation, and in following pregnancies it can occur as early as 15-16 weeks' gestation. Early fetal movement is felt most commonly when the woman is sitting or lying quietly and concentrating on her body. It is usually described as a tickle or feathery feeling below the umbilical area. The point at which a woman feels the baby move is termed quickening.
Placental location can impact the timing of quickening. An anterior placenta can "cushion" against fetal movement and delay maternal detection of fetal movements. As the fetus grows larger, the fetal movement feelings become stronger, regular, and easier to detect. While there is no absolute number that indicates fetal well-being, typical guidance may include that fetuses should move approximately 4 times an hour as they get larger, and some clinicians advise patients to count fetal movements to follow fetal well-being.