August's Midwife Question of the Month: When Will The Baby Kick?

Our Mothercare midwife, Margaret Merrigan-Feenan answers this month's Question of the Month.

Question:

When should you first feel the baby kick? I’m 21 weeks this week and I haven’t felt anything yet, and am starting to get worried.

Answer:

The first time you feel the baby move is called quickening, and is one of the most exciting moments of your pregnancy. Quickening usually occurs between 18 and 22 weeks, but variations are common.

With first time mothers, it often happens towards the end of the range, 20 to 22 weeks. It can be felt sooner by thin women and in women who have had a baby before as they are likely to recognise movement earlier, because they know what to expect. In overweight women, they may not be aware of movements until they become more vigorous. If a woman is unsure of her due date or her expected date has been calculated incorrectly this will throw the timing out.

The feeling varies from woman to woman. Many compare it to a fluttering sensation, or butterflies in your tummy, or a bubble bursting. It’s not unusual to be unaware of early foetal movements, but a routine scan after 22 weeks will reassure you.

During the second half of pregnancy, your baby’s soft movements will become stronger and more lively and is a sign of foetal wellbeing. You’ll probably be able to distinguish when your baby is asleep from when they are awake. Often babies are more active when you sit down to rest or lie down to sleep as it’s easier for baby to move around when you are lying down. When you are on the move the gentle rocking of your pelvis is likely to send the baby to sleep.

After 28 weeks foetal movements become more regular. If you notice any change in the way the baby moves, you should mention it to your midwife or doctor.

About Margaret:
Margaret Merrigan-Feenan is a Clinical Midwife Manager, Antenatal Educator and Family Planning Counsellor at the Rotunda Hospital,Dublin.

She also runs Private Antenatal Classes and is a speaker at the Mothercare Mother and Baby Evenings. Margaret can be contacted through her website which can be found at www.newbaby.ie