Feeling Your Baby Move: What to Expect and How to Connect
Updated: Apr 10
When will you feel your baby move?
Around the second trimester, many parents begin to notice their baby’s first movements. There’s a wide range of normal — most people start to feel something between 14 and 24 weeks.
If you’ve been pregnant before, you may recognise those early movements sooner. If not, they can be so subtle that you’re not quite sure what you’re feeling at first.
And that’s okay. There’s no rush in this.
The first quiet signs of life
Early movements are often gentle — easy to miss if you’re not looking for them.
They’re often described as a flutter, a bubbling sensation, or something that feels a little like trapped wind moving around.
It’s very common not to recognise them straight away. Often, it’s only later — when movements become stronger and more distinct — that you look back and realise…That was my baby.
Often, it’s only later — that you look back and realise…That was my baby.
When movements take a little longer to feel
Some parents notice movements later in pregnancy, and one common reason for this is an anterior placenta. This simply means the placenta is positioned at the front of the uterus. It’s a completely normal variation, but it can soften the feeling of movements in the early weeks — almost like a cushion between you and your baby. Even on days when you don’t feel much, your baby is still moving.
Research suggests that parents only perceive a small proportion of their baby’s movements. So if it feels quiet at times at this stage of pregnancy, that in itself isn’t unusual.
Learning what is normal for your baby
As the weeks go on, movements become more consistent and easier to recognise.
The most important thing isn’t counting or comparing — it’s simply becoming familiar with what feels normal for your baby.
And if something doesn’t feel right, or you find yourself worrying, you’re never expected to sit with that alone. You can always reach out.
A note about home Dopplers
It’s very understandable to want reassurance, especially in those quieter moments. Some parents consider using a handheld Doppler at home to listen to their baby’s heartbeat. However, these are generally not recommended.
They can sometimes increase anxiety if it’s difficult to find the heartbeat — which is very common — or offer false reassurance when something else might be going on.
If you need reassurance, it’s always better to reach out so we can talk things through together.
More than movement — an invitation to connect
For many parents, feeling their baby move is the first moment that something shifts. It’s no longer just an idea. It’s someone. A small life, growing, moving, responding.
This can become a really special opportunity to begin connecting with your baby. You might find yourself placing your hand on your tummy when they move…Talking to them…Responding in small, instinctive ways.
These moments may feel unfamiliar at first — even a little strange. But over time, they often become something you quietly look forward to.
It’s no longer just an idea. It’s someone.
Held, known, and growing
If your faith is part of your life, this can also be a moment to pause and reflect on something deeper. That your baby is not just growing physically — but is already known, already held, already seen. Even in these early, hidden weeks.
“You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb.” — Psalm 139:13
There’s something profoundly grounding in that. That even before you fully understand this little life, they are known by God.
Inviting your partner into this
You might also like to invite your partner into these moments.
Feeling movements together, talking to your baby, or simply pausing to notice them as a family can help build connection early on.
It doesn’t have to feel natural straight away. For many people, it takes time.
Taking this at your own pace
Like so much in pregnancy, this isn’t something to get “right.” It unfolds slowly.
Movement by movement. Moment by moment.
And if at any point you feel unsure, worried, or simply need reassurance — you’re always welcome to reach out. You don’t have to carry those thoughts on your own.
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