Fetal Movement: When to Expect It in Your Pregnancy

Q: Fetal Movement: When to Expect It in Your Pregnancy

Hello： Regarding your question, here are the responses： (1) According to textbooks, first-time mothers may feel fetal movement as early as 18 weeks, while those who have had previous pregnancies may notice it as early as 16 weeks. <br>However, in clinical practice, most pregnant

Fetal movement is typically felt around 18 weeks of gestation?

Hello, Doctor: I am currently 18 weeks pregnant with my third child.
I clearly remember feeling fetal movement at 15 weeks during my second pregnancy, but I have not felt any movement yet with this third pregnancy at 18 weeks.
Is this considered normal? I asked my obstetrician, and he told me that feeling fetal movement by 20 weeks is considered normal.
However, I found online that the more pregnancies a woman has had, the earlier she tends to feel fetal movement.
I am quite worried about this.
Could you please help me with this concern? Thank you very much, I appreciate it.

Xiao Yu Er, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2008/06/27

Dr. Yang Wangjun reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello: Regarding your question, here are the responses: (1) According to textbooks, first-time mothers may feel fetal movement as early as 18 weeks, while those who have had previous pregnancies may notice it as early as 16 weeks.
However, in clinical practice, most pregnant women, regardless of whether it's their first or subsequent pregnancy, typically detect fetal movement between 20 to 24 weeks.
(2) In fact, during an ultrasound examination, fetal activity can be observed as early as 9 to 10 weeks.
The timing of when a mother perceives fetal movement is related to her sensitivity and the intrauterine environment.
For instance, if the placenta is located at the front or if there is a higher volume of amniotic fluid, the mother may find it more difficult to feel fetal movements.
(3) Fetal movement is an indicator for mothers to monitor fetal health at home.
Since you are currently 18 weeks pregnant, if you have concerns about the health of your fetus, you can go to an obstetrics and gynecology clinic for an ultrasound examination to check for fetal activity.
Thank you for your message.

Reply Date: 2008/06/27

More Info

Understanding fetal movement is an essential aspect of pregnancy, especially for expectant mothers. As you are currently 18 weeks pregnant with your third child, it's understandable to have concerns about not feeling fetal movement yet, especially since you experienced it earlier in your previous pregnancies.
Fetal movement, often referred to as "quickening," typically begins to be felt between 18 to 25 weeks of gestation. However, the timing can vary significantly from one pregnancy to another and from one woman to another. While many women do report feeling movements earlier in subsequent pregnancies, this is not a universal experience. Factors such as the position of the placenta, the mother's body type, and the baby's activity level can all influence when movements are felt.

In your case, since you are at 18 weeks and have not yet felt any movements, it is generally considered normal. Your obstetrician's reassurance that feeling movement by 20 weeks is acceptable aligns with standard medical guidelines. It's important to remember that every pregnancy is unique, and variations in when fetal movement is felt are common.
Moreover, the perception of fetal movement can also be affected by the position of the placenta. If the placenta is located at the front of the uterus (anterior placenta), it may cushion the movements, making them less noticeable. Additionally, if you have a higher body mass index (BMI), it might take longer to feel the movements.

As you approach the 20-week mark, you may start to feel those first flutters. If you still do not feel any movement by then, it would be advisable to discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider. They may perform an ultrasound to check on the baby's well-being and ensure everything is progressing normally.

It's also worth noting that fetal movement patterns will change as the pregnancy progresses. Early on, movements may feel like gentle flutters or bubbles, but as the baby grows, these movements will become more pronounced and can even be seen from the outside.
In summary, while it is common for women to feel fetal movements earlier in subsequent pregnancies, it is not a strict rule. Your experience of not feeling movement at 18 weeks is within the normal range. Continue to monitor your body and stay in touch with your healthcare provider for any concerns. They are your best resource for ensuring a healthy pregnancy and addressing any worries you may have. Remember to take care of yourself, stay relaxed, and enjoy this exciting time as you prepare to welcome your new baby.

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