Quickening in pregnancy: top 3 facts to know

Some mothers-to-be may feel quickening as early as 13-16 weeks of pregnancy. These first fetal movements are usually described as gentle flutters. Known as quickening in pregnancy, these tiny kicks are a tangible reminder of the growing life within you. Once you start feeling quickening, it may be a sign that the fetus is healthy and growing. The first-time mothers may not feel pregnancy flutters until 18-20 weeks.

Remember that each pregnancy is unique and different. You may not feel fetal movements as early as a second-time mother or any other woman. The first detection of movement ranges from 13-25 weeks.

What is quickening in pregnancy?

So, what is the quickening? Your baby’s first movements during pregnancy are known as quickening. They happen around 16 to 20 weeks in pregnancy, but some expectant mothers may start experiencing first fetal movements sooner or later. Usually, quickening in pregnancy is described as a fluttering sensation or gentle taps. As your baby grows and develops, their movements become more noticeable and pronounced.

What does quickening feel like?

The sensation of quickening is often described as butterfly flutters, gas bubbles, or light taps. Early pregnancy flutters are a good sign of the well-being and health of the growing baby. Initially, the movements may be subtle and easy to miss, because it can be difficult to distinguish pregnancy flutters from sensations, such as indigestion or gas. As your baby grows, quickening becomes more pronounced. You may feel the kicks, and rolls of your little one. Quickening in pregnancy feels different for everyone, but many expectant mothers describe them as:

• Butterfly flutters
• bubbling sensation
• light taps or tiny pulses
• gas bubbles
• muscle spasms
• feeling pokes from the inside
• flickering.

At the first time, you may be confused about what you’re feeling. However, the baby’s movements will get stronger as the baby grows.

Where do you feel quickening?

Mothers-to-be typically experience quickening low in the belly, near their pubic bone. Women who have had previous pregnancies may feel quickening by about 16 weeks. When the expectant woman is 20 weeks pregnant, her uterus is at her belly button, meaning she cannot experience fetal movements higher than her belly button.

When does quickening occur?

The baby starts moving around 12 weeks of pregnancy, but expectant mothers probably won’t feel it as movements are subtle. In fact, for the first trimester, you likely won’t notice quickening. Some women start feeling quickening in pregnancy between 13 and 16 weeks. However, first-time mothers may experience the sensation of quickening later, between 18 and 20 weeks, while those who have been pregnant before might feel it by about 16 weeks.

It’s important to remember that every pregnancy is different, and some women may experience quickening earlier or later.

Factors that affect quickening in pregnancy

Placenta location. The placenta between the mother’s uterus and belly may harden to sense the first fetus’s movements.

Mother’s activity levels. According to bulk studies, maternal activity has a slight effect on baby’s breathing and body movements.

It’s not your first pregnancy. Women who have given birth before, have more relaxed uterine muscles. Thus, they are more perceptive to the baby’s movements.

Does the mother’s weight affect quickening?

Most people believe that mother’s weight has an impact on movement sensation, but that’s not true. As uterine muscles are the first to feel the quickening (not the abdominal muscles), the mother’s weight shouldn’t affect her ability to sense the baby’s movements.

Do not panic when you cannot feel quickening in pregnancy as early as 16 weeks. All pregnancies are different, but if you feel concerned about your baby’s well-being, contact your healthcare provider.

What can cause the baby to move less?

How often should you feel quickening?

Each pregnancy is unique, and the number of baby quickening varies. However, ten kicks within several hours are the most accepted range. The mother-to-be needs to talk to the midwife or healthcare provider and discuss what to expect. At first, you may listen to your baby’s heartbeat on an ultrasound. Then you may listen to your baby’s heartbeat on fetal Doppler.

To learn more about fetal heartbeat doppler, read this excellent article on what information fetal heart doppler can provide you with. Below you will find guidance on what to expect during different stages of pregnancy.

Early Quickening in Pregnancy: Establishing a Pattern

Early stages of pregnancy are characterized by a sporadic and irregular quickening in pregnancy. During this period expectant mothers may experience quickening a few times per day without consistent intervals.

Mid-Pregnancy: Increased Activity

As your pregnancy progresses, usually around the 25-28 week mark, you can expect more consistent and regular movements from your baby. At this stage, mothers-to-be need to notice kicks, such as increased activity after meals or during specific times of the day. Remember, that your baby’s activity may vary from day to day. Some days, he or she can be more active, while others may be quieter. This variation is considered to be normal.

Third Trimester: Monitoring Baby’s Movements

During the third trimester, from around 28 weeks of pregnancy, the mother-to-be has to experience the baby’s movements regularly. Till this time movements have to become stronger and more defined as the baby continues to grow. At this stage, it is necessary to calculate the number of kicks and monitor any changes in the baby’s activity level.

The third trimester is a moment when the quickening in pregnancy turns to real kicks. Expectant mothers may sense kicks, jacks, punches, elbows, and somersaults in their uterus. Counting the kicks is one of the ways to monitor your baby’s well-being. This involves paying attention to the number of kicks within a certain timeframe. Many healthcare providers recommend keeping track of your baby’s movements daily, particularly in the third trimester. The exact guidelines may vary, but generally, it is necessary to calculate around ten movements within two hours.

How to monitor quickening in pregnancy?

When you start experiencing quickening in pregnancy, it may be hard to count the baby’s movements. However, once your baby’s movements become stronger, you need to keep track of how often you feel your baby move. It is necessary to notice the timeframe when your baby is super energetic (in the hours after dinner and before bed). Knowing your baby’s patterns can help you recognize if something changes.

If you notice a significant decrease in your baby’s movements or if you’re concerned about their activity levels, it’s crucial to contact your healthcare provider. They can provide guidance and perform any necessary tests to ensure your baby’s well-being. Trust your instincts, as you know your baby’s movements best.

It is necessary to calculate around ten movements within two hours.

How can I get my baby to move more?

The babies have a sleep-wake cycle just like you. While every baby has their own unique patterns and activity levels, there are some techniques you can try to increase fetal movements. They include:

Drink a sugary beverage like juice or eat a meal

Having a snack, drinking a sweet or cold beverage may help to wake up your baby and increase his/her activity. The change in blood sugar levels or the sensation of the liquid can stimulate their movements. You may experiment with different foods and beverages to check what food or drinks increase the activity level of your little one.

Change in position

A simple change in position may help to stimulate your baby to move more actively. Lying on your side, may relieve pressure on the abdomen and provide more environment for the baby to move. You can also experiment with different positions, such as sitting up, standing, or gently rocking back and forth.

Gentle poking or tapping

Such safe techniques as poking or tapping on the abdomen may help to prompt your baby to move. Be careful not to apply excessive pressure or use any sharp objects.

Listen to music or make some noise

The baby’s sense of hearing is quite developed by the end of the second trimester, so playing music or even putting headphones on your belly might encourage the baby to move. You also may try singing for the baby or just talking to him/her loudly. Try different methods to see what makes your baby to be more active.

Pay attention to your baby’s active times

Every baby has their own active times during the day. Pay attention to when your baby is typically more active, whether in the morning, afternoon, or evening. Schedule some quiet and relaxed time to focus on feeling their movements during these periods.

Contact your healthcare provider

If you’re concerned about the quickening in pregnancy or notice a significant decrease in activity, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider. They can provide guidance and reassurance and may recommend additional monitoring or tests if needed.

Conclusion

Experiencing quickening in pregnancy is the most reliable way to reassure that your baby is developing. The frequency and intensity of quickening in pregnancy vary, but as the pregnancy progresses, mothers-to-be will notice the regularity and intensity of the pattern. Monitor quickening in pregnancy, practice kick counting, and contact your healthcare provider if you have any concerns. Remember, each pregnancy is unique, and it’s essential to trust your instincts and seek professional guidance when needed.

If you have any concerns or questions about quickening in pregnancy or fetal movements, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for reassurance and guidance along the way.

Quickening FAQ’s

1. Does quickening feel like cramps?

The sensation of flutters varies among women. The most common feelings mothers-to-be described as tiny pulses, sharps, or even sudden jerks. Some women claim that quickening feels like butterflies in their stomachs.

2. What does the quickening mean?

Quickening in pregnancy is a moment when the expectant mother feels her baby’s first movements. Once the mother-to-be starts feeling the tiny kicks, that means that your baby is developing.

3. How long does quickening last?

The duration of quickening is different for everyone. Some expectant mothers experience quickening every day, while others feel flutters on and off through around 21 weeks. Generally, quickening in pregnancy lasts from 16-20 weeks. Starting from 20 weeks, women start to experience light fetal movements that gradually become stronger.