What Week Does a Baby Start Kicking in the Womb?

An embryo actually begins to move around the 7th week of pregnancy, but fetal movements are often not felt until the 15th week. Women who have given birth before tend to notice movement earlier than first-time mothers. Also women who are thin tend to feel even weak movements, whereas overweight women might not notice any movement until it becomes stronger.

  1. Spontaneous Movement

    • The fetus begins spontaneous movement around the second and third month; however, the arms, legs, hands, and feet do not begin developing until the third month.

    Active Fetal Movement

    • By the fifth month, fetal movement is strong enough for the expectant mother to feel. The baby also has regular periods of wakefulness and sleep. The movement is often described as fluttery or bubbly.

    Increased Fetal Activity

    • During weeks 24 and 28 the fetus is most active. Although movement is inconsistent, activity may increase after a meal or snack, or may be more noticeable during periods of rest.

    Frequent and Organized Movement

    • During the seventh month, fetal movement becomes stronger and more frequent. Movement also becomes more organized and consistent, which means the expectant mother can start counting kicks.

    Continuing Movement

    • Fetal activity continues in the eighth month, although the movement is less rigorous due to the lack of uterine room.

    More Squirming, Less Kicking

    • By the ninth month, the fetus has no room to move and in most cases has settled into the head-down position.

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