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Babies naturally move inside the uterus as they grow. Around week 18 of your pregnancy, you may start to notice their movements. At first, they can feel like slight fluttering sensations. Some people say these first flutters feel like butterflies.
Throughout your second trimester, as your baby gets bigger and stronger, you’ll sense more distinct signs of motion. Usually around mid-pregnancy, or 18-20 weeks, your baby’s knees, elbows, and knuckles can flex and bend.
At this point in your pregnancy, you might feel your baby:
- Kick
- Roll
- Stretch
- Turn
- Twist
Growing babies like resting in positions that feel comfortable for them, and their preferences might change over time. Sometimes, your baby’s movement may feel a bit uncomfortable to you, like a jab or kick but this should resolve once your baby shifts. As your pregnancy progresses and your baby settles into position for birth, you’ll likely feel fewer big twists and turns. When you enter the later weeks of your pregnancy, you may once again feel more frequent kicks and pokes.
Since every baby is a unique individual, you might find them to be more active at certain times of the day or night. While you might not feel your baby move all the time, you’re more likely to feel movement after you eat or drink something. Also, your baby might move more after hearing your voice, or other sounds like music.
Babies also seem to move more when you sit or stand still. Going for a short walk can help calm your baby.
What’s most important is that you feel your baby move several times throughout the day, every day. If you’re not experiencing any signs of movement, contact your clinician or care team.