Not Feeling Baby Movements in Pregnancy? Quick Answers
It’s entirely normal not to feel baby movements in early pregnancy, especially during the first half. Most women become aware of their baby's kicks and flutters from the middle of the second trimester—typically after 18 to 22 weeks. If you haven’t noticed any fetal movements by then, it usually isn’t a cause for concern.
However, if you’ve already started feeling your baby move and then suddenly don’t feel anything for around 12 hours or notice a significant decrease in movements, it’s time to check in with your healthcare provider.
Understanding Fetal Movement During Pregnancy
Not feeling baby movements in pregnancy is a common concern and one of the most searched questions among expectant mothers. Fetal movement is a reliable sign of your baby's wellbeing and one of the most reassuring parts of pregnancy. However, when and how mothers sense those first movements—or “quickening”—can vary greatly.
What’s Considered Normal When It Comes to Fetal Movement?
- First pregnancies: Many women don’t feel initial flutters until 20–22 weeks. These first sensations might feel like butterflies or gentle bubbles.
- Subsequent pregnancies: You might notice movement as soon as 16–18 weeks because you know what to expect.
- Placenta position: If your placenta is anterior (at the front of your uterus), it can cushion movements, making kicks harder to notice at first.
Most women experience daily movements by 24 weeks, but each pregnancy can have a unique pattern.
Why Might You Not Feel Baby Movements?
There are a number of natural reasons why you may not feel baby movements yet, or as regularly as you expect. Not feeling baby movements in pregnancy straight away is rarely an emergency. Some common explanations include:
- Early pregnancy: The baby is still tiny; movements may be too subtle to notice.
- Anterior placenta: A front-positioned placenta can absorb sensations, delaying when you first feel movement.
- Busy lifestyle: If you’re on the go, your own activity can mask the baby's subtle flutters.
- Baby's sleep cycles: Fetuses nap for hours at a time, and these rest periods may coincide with when you’re paying attention.
Reassurance: Most women have some moments or even a day with minimal movement, especially in the early or middle second trimester. A little quiet time here and there is normal.
When Should You Worry About Fetal Movement?
While reduced movement isn’t always a sign of trouble, there are situations when you should take action:
- After 24 weeks: If you have felt regular movements but haven't detected any for 12 hours or more.
- Noticeable change: A sudden decrease in frequency or strength of kicks.
- Accompanying symptoms: If you also have abdominal pain, bleeding, or severe discomfort.
Don’t panic—but do observe and seek medical advice if something feels off.
How to Monitor Your Baby's Movements Safely
Regularly tracking fetal movements can be very reassuring. Healthcare professionals recommend a simple “kick count” approach:
- Choose a quiet time—after a meal is ideal.
- Lie on your left side and relax.
- Over two hours, count every clear movement (kicks, rolls, flutters).
- If you don’t record at least 10 movements in that time, or notice complete stillness for two hours, contact your provider or maternity triage.
Many babies are more active at certain times (often evenings), so aim to count around the same time each day for consistency.
Kick Count Tips
- Don’t compare yourself to others. Each pregnancy is different!
- Try to make this part of your daily routine for peace of mind.
Real Stories: The Variety in Fetal Movement Experiences
- Sophia (first-time mom): Didn't notice any movement until 22 weeks—first felt a bubbling sensation, with regular kicks appearing after 27 weeks.
- Kate (second baby, anterior placenta): Felt nothing at 19 weeks but was reassured by ultrasound. Consistent movements began at week 24.
- Abby (active lifestyle): Only recognized movements in the evenings after busy days, when she slowed down and paid more attention.
Remember, "not feeling baby movements in pregnancy" can look different for everyone.
Possible Risks If You Don't Feel Your Baby Moving
A sudden and lasting decrease in baby movement can sometimes signal that the baby isn’t getting enough oxygen or nutrients—a condition known as fetal distress. That’s why it’s so important not to delay contacting your doctor if you notice a change after you’ve been used to regular kicks.
Simple, non-invasive checks like ultrasound or a non-stress test (NST) can quickly confirm your baby’s wellbeing.
When to Call Your Doctor About Decreased Baby Movements
Seek urgent medical advice if:
- After 24 weeks you have not felt any movements for 12 hours
- There's a sudden, marked decrease in frequency or strength of regular movements
- You have additional symptoms like pain, bleeding, or feeling unwell
Most of the time, a quick check-up will put your mind at ease. It’s always better to seek reassurance—even if everything turns out to be okay—than to delay.
Medical Insight: Why Are Baby Movements So Important?
Fetal movements are one of the earliest and most easy-to-track signals that your baby is healthy. Regular activity generally means good circulation, healthy muscle and nervous system development, and proper oxygenation.
Many factors—placenta position, amount of amniotic fluid, baby's position, and your own health—can all affect how you experience movements day-to-day.
Final Thoughts: Trust Your Instincts
Feeling anxiety about not feeling your baby's movements is totally normal—every mother has moments of worry. In the vast majority of cases, everything is perfectly fine. But remember: if anything feels unusual, it pays to check in with your healthcare team.
Trust your instincts, keep learning, and remember that information and support are always available. For more expert tips and practical pregnancy guides, keep reading!