Health
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Fetal Movement?

Kim Denise Walton
Kim Denise Walton

It is the moment every expectant mother waits for: the first noticeable movement of a baby, the first sign of life, sometimes referred to as the “quickening." Movement of the fetus typically begins as early as seven to nine weeks after conception and can be felt by the mother between 16 and 22 weeks after conception. Fetal movement typically includes flexing, stretching, kicking and punching.

Fetal movement can be easily mistaken by first-time expectant mothers as gas or mere stomach gurgling. In time, the fetal movement will be distinguishable. Expectant mothers are most aware of fetal movement when they are sitting serenely or lying down.

During the third trimester, fetal movement is very strong.
During the third trimester, fetal movement is very strong.

During the first portion of a pregnancy, somewhere around the ninth week, the fetus is moving almost constantly. The mother might not be aware of this movement, because the fetus is less than one inch (2.5 cm) long and weighs less than one ounce (28 g). At this juncture, fetal movement can be seen only during an ultrasound examination. By the 11th week, movement has increased, and the fetus is approximately two inches (5 cm) long. At this time, the baby also is kicking, and some mothers might actually feel a punt or two.

Fetal movement becomes the strongest during the third trimester of pregnancy.
Fetal movement becomes the strongest during the third trimester of pregnancy.

During the second trimester of pregnancy, fetal movement is stronger, the muscles have lengthened and are organized, and the expectant mother should be feeling flutters. By the 16th week or so, the fetus is approximately five inches (12.7 cm) long and weighs more than three ounces (84 g). Not only is the fetus kicking, but some of the fetal movement might be attributed to the fetus doing an actual somersault. By the 19th week, fetal movement should be evident to the expectant mother. Doctors might ask the mother to note any movement in order to track the development of the fetus.

Fetal movements may be viewed on an ultrasound machine.
Fetal movements may be viewed on an ultrasound machine.

During the third and final trimester of pregnancy, fetal movement is quite strong. The constant movement might even be slightly disruptive to the expectant mother when she is attempting to rest. By the time the fetus has reached 32 weeks, it will weigh approximately four pounds (1.8 kg), and movement will increase tremendously because of the “cramped” quarters that the fetus is experiencing.

Movement of the fetus typically begins as early as seven to nine weeks after conception.
Movement of the fetus typically begins as early as seven to nine weeks after conception.

There is a plethora of fetal movement going on at this stage of the pregnancy. The fetus has developed hearing and can move to the beat of music or the sound of a familiar voice. Additionally, the fetus might develop hiccups that will be felt by the expectant mother as rhythmic little taps.

Scientists who follow the fetus' daily life find that the human fetus moves 50 times or more each hour, flexing and extending its body, stretching and moving. Using technologically advanced equipment, psychologists at Johns Hopkins University have even noted odd movement by fetuses. These movements include a fetus using its tongue to lick the uterine wall or "walking" around the womb by pushing off with its feet.

Discussion Comments

Lostnfound

@Grivusangel -- That's as good a description as I've ever seen. I can agree with your mom that feeling your baby move is just wonderful. It's the absolute confirmation you have new life inside you.

I mean, you can see it on the ultrasound and so forth, and you have all the morning sickness, weird smells, etc., but somehow, *feeling* the baby move makes it all very real. For me, seeing my daughter on the ultrasound and hearing her heartbeat was really amazing, but it was when I felt her move that it truly became a concrete reality for me: I was going to be a mother! Incredible feeling.

Grivusangel

I asked my mom what quickening felt like, and she said it was like a little flutter, sort of like a butterfly movement. She said it was barely there, and then gone, and she waited anxiously for the next movement. She said it was the most wonderful sensation in the world.

She said she didn't think it was gas or anything like that. She said there was nothing else, ever that felt like feeling your baby move for the first time.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • During the third trimester, fetal movement is very strong.
      By: Oleksandr Bondar
      During the third trimester, fetal movement is very strong.
    • Fetal movement becomes the strongest during the third trimester of pregnancy.
      By: coffeemill
      Fetal movement becomes the strongest during the third trimester of pregnancy.
    • Fetal movements may be viewed on an ultrasound machine.
      By: poco_bw
      Fetal movements may be viewed on an ultrasound machine.
    • Movement of the fetus typically begins as early as seven to nine weeks after conception.
      By: Dmitriy Melnikov
      Movement of the fetus typically begins as early as seven to nine weeks after conception.
    • Fetal movement may be mistaken for gas in some new mothers.
      By: Valua Vitaly
      Fetal movement may be mistaken for gas in some new mothers.
    • Fetal movement may be uncomfortable during the final weeks of pregnancy.
      By: Langstrup
      Fetal movement may be uncomfortable during the final weeks of pregnancy.