Counting Your Baby's Kicks
Feeling your baby move is one of the most reassuring parts of pregnancy — and paying attention to those movements is genuinely important. A baby's pattern of movement is a sign of their wellbeing.
When Do Movements Start?
First-time parents often feel the first flutters (sometimes called "quickening") between about 18 and 24 weeks. If you've been pregnant before, you may notice them a little earlier. Movements become stronger and more regular as pregnancy progresses.
Getting to Know Your Baby's Pattern
There's no single "normal" number of movements — every baby is different. What matters is your baby's own usual pattern. By the third trimester, you'll learn when your baby is typically active (often in the evening or after you eat).
How to Check Movements
If you want to focus on movements, sit or lie down on your side at a time your baby is usually active, and pay attention to their movements. Many providers no longer recommend counting to a fixed number, but rather knowing your baby's normal pattern and acting quickly if it changes.
When to Contact Your Provider — Right Away
If you notice your baby moving less than usual, or their pattern changes, contact your midwife or maternity unit immediately — day or night. Do not wait until the next day and do not use a home doppler to reassure yourself. Reduced movement can sometimes be an important warning sign, and providers would always rather check.
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Pregnancy Week Calculator →Frequently Asked Questions
When will I feel my baby move?
Often between 18 and 24 weeks for a first pregnancy, sometimes earlier in later pregnancies.
Is there a normal number of kicks?
No fixed number — what matters is your baby's own usual pattern. Get to know it, and act if it changes.
What should I do if movements slow down?
Contact your midwife or maternity unit immediately, at any hour. Don't wait, and don't rely on a home doppler.