There are so many amazing milestones to experience when you are pregnant. Each one helps build the excitement for your impending bundle of joy.

They serve as a reminder that everything is going in the right direction. One of the most exciting milestones for a pregnant woman is that very first time she feels her baby kick. It is one of the most asked questions and one of the most anticipated experiences during a woman’s pregnancy.

Let’s start by saying that those very first “kicks” are actually not kicks at all. They tend to feel more like little flutters and many women describe them as butterflies. They often go unnoticed and many women put them down to air bubbles or tummy gurgling but as they get stronger, women begin to realise that those flutters a week or two ago were actually the baby moving. How wonderful.

These first movements tend to come somewhere between sixteen weeks and twenty-four weeks. It is really common for many women to be on the later side so do not panic if you are nearing the twenty-week mark and have not felt movement yet. I bet it will come any day.

Many women notice movements even earlier than sixteen weeks when it is not their first pregnancy. As early as thirteen weeks flutters can be felt when they are in a relaxed and quiet position.

These very first movements are very gentle and subtle because your baby has a lot of space to move around due to their tiny size. These first movements are often referred to as “quickenings”.

In some cases, a woman may notice a “delay” in feeling those movements depending on the position of her placenta. If the placenta is in an anterior position it will be at the front of your belly and may be blocking some of the impacts of those movements but they are happening in the background and baby is completely fine.

As your pregnancy progresses and you enter the third trimester your baby’s movements will start to feel a lot more defined. You will notice very obvious kicking and punching movements as your baby moves around inside you. The baby has less space to tumble and roll so you will be acutely aware of what they are doing. In fact, you will often be able to see those movements on your tummy.

It is an amazing feeling to notice your baby’s limbs and movements as they happen. It is also a really special experience to share with your partner and family who by now should be able to feel the movements when they place their hand on your tummy.

It is a good idea to keep track of your baby’s movements. In the early days you may feel movement and then nothing for a day or two but during the third trimester, it should be pretty frequent. If you notice anything unusual it is important to bring it to the attention of your GP or Midwife team. When keeping track of your baby’s movements it is a good idea to lie on one side and notice how long it takes you to notice ten movements.

This will help you identify what is normal for your baby and help you identify any changes if they appear.