Understanding Your Baby’s Movements During Pregnancy — What’s Normal & When to Worry

Feeling your baby move is one of the most exciting milestones in pregnancy. These tiny kicks and rolls are not only bonding moments — they are also an important sign of your baby’s health and well-being.

When Do You First Feel Baby Movements?
Most women start feeling movements between 18–22 weeks. Early movements feel like fluttering, bubbles, tapping, or gentle nudges. By 24–28 weeks, movements become stronger and more predictable.

What Baby Movements Should Feel Like
Your baby’s movements change as they grow. You may feel kicks, rolls, hiccups, stretching, or wiggling. Every baby develops their own pattern.

Understanding Movement Patterns
From 28 weeks onward, babies develop sleep–wake cycles. They have active periods and quiet resting periods. Many babies move more in the evenings when you're resting.

Why Baby Movements Matter
Regular movement is a sign of a healthy pregnancy. A noticeable decrease in movement can indicate your baby may need closer monitoring. Counting movements becomes important after 28 weeks.

Tips to Encourage Baby Movement
If you haven’t felt movement for a while: drink something cold, rest on your left side, eat a snack, or sit quietly. These often help wake baby from a sleep cycle.

When to Seek Medical Help
Seek help immediately if movements decrease significantly, stop completely, if you feel fewer than 10 movements in 2 hours after 28 weeks, or if something feels wrong. Decreased movement should always be checked.

Final Thoughts
Your baby’s movements are their way of communicating with you. Learning their normal rhythm can help you feel more connected and reassured. First Glimpse supports you with compassionate pregnancy ultrasounds in Brackenfell, Parow, and Mitchells Plain. Book your scan today — your baby’s health starts with peace of mind.