At 22 weeks of pregnancy, you are firmly in the middle of your second trimester, a period often marked by the milestone known as “quickening.” Quickening is the term for the first time a mother perceives her baby’s movements, typically occurring between 16 and 22 weeks of gestation. For many first-time mothers, this week is when those subtle internal sensations become distinct enough to be recognized as movement. Understanding the nature of this early activity is important, as the movement pattern at this stage differs significantly from what you will experience later in pregnancy.
What to Expect from Fetal Movement at 22 Weeks
Fetal movement at 22 weeks is typically sporadic and should not be expected to follow a strict schedule. Because the baby is still relatively small with plenty of room in the amniotic fluid, movements are often cushioned and subtle. The sensations are usually described as gentle flutters, bubbles popping, light taps, or swishing, rather than the strong kicks that occur later.
It is normal to go several hours, or even a full day, without feeling anything. The baby is likely changing position, moving to a part of the uterus where movements are less perceptible, or simply sleeping. Fetal sleep cycles can last for many minutes, during which the baby will be completely still. Therefore, the goal at this stage is not to track a specific number of movements, but merely to recognize activity periodically.
Factors Influencing Movement Sensation
Several physical factors influence how often and how strongly you perceive your baby’s movements. The position of the placenta, which supplies nutrients, plays a significant role in movement sensation. An anterior placenta is situated at the front wall of the uterus between the baby and your abdomen, acting as a cushion that dampens the force of movements and makes them harder to feel.
Your own activity level also affects your perception of movement. Babies often find the mother’s movement soothing, so daytime activity may lull the baby to sleep. You are more likely to notice movement when you are resting quietly or settled, as changes in your body position or blood sugar levels occur. First-time mothers may also feel these initial movements later because they are unfamiliar with the subtle sensation of quickening.
Distinguishing Casual Observation from Formal Kick Counting
At 22 weeks, the focus should be on becoming generally aware of your baby’s activity, which is a casual observation rather than a structured counting exercise. Formal kick counting is not typically recommended or effective at this early stage. This is because the movements are still too weak and inconsistent to establish a reliable baseline pattern.
Healthcare providers generally advise beginning formal fetal movement counting around 28 weeks of gestation, when the baby is larger and movements are consistently stronger. The standard method used later in pregnancy is to note the time it takes to feel 10 distinct movements, such as kicks, rolls, or swishes. Until that time, you should focus on tuning into your baby’s unique movement patterns and establishing what is normal for your pregnancy.
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
It is important to know when a change in activity warrants medical attention. If you have not felt any recognizable movement by 24 weeks of pregnancy, contact your healthcare provider for an evaluation. By this time, nearly all mothers should have perceived the first flutters.
If you have established a pattern of movement and notice a sudden, drastic reduction or complete cessation of activity, call your provider immediately. Do not wait until the next day to see if movement returns. Avoid relying on a home doppler to check the heartbeat, as this is not a reliable way to assess fetal well-being. Your provider may recommend drinking a cold beverage, eating a small snack, or lying down to encourage movement before suggesting an in-person assessment.