The first time a pregnant person feels their baby move is known as quickening. This sensation, often described as a fluttering, bubbling, or light tapping, typically occurs between 16 and 25 weeks of pregnancy, though it may be felt earlier in subsequent pregnancies. When these movements begin, the sensation is often localized almost entirely in the lower abdominal area. This initial low placement of movement is normal and relates directly to the size and position of the uterus during the second trimester.
The Physical Reasons Movement Stays Low
The primary reason movement is confined to the lower abdomen early in pregnancy is the anatomical location of the uterus. During the first half of pregnancy, the uterus is largely contained within the pelvis, sitting low behind the pubic bone. Since the baby is small and the uterine space is low, any contact the baby makes with the uterine wall is felt near the pubic area.
The baby’s orientation inside the limited space is another factor. If the baby is positioned with its limbs pointing downward, the kicks and jabs are directed toward the bottom of the abdominal cavity. These early movements must be strong enough to press against the uterine wall to be felt. Even if the baby moves its hands or feet high up, the small size and surrounding amniotic fluid often dampen the sensation, making only the lowest, most direct movements noticeable.
The Progression of Fetal Movement Location
The location where movement is felt changes as the pregnancy advances. Around 20 weeks of gestation, the top of the uterus (the fundus) typically reaches the level of the belly button. As the baby grows and the uterus expands upward, it moves out of the pelvis and into the abdominal cavity, providing a larger surface area for the baby to press against.
Movement begins to be felt higher up in the abdomen, gradually moving toward the ribs and stomach as the third trimester approaches. Later in pregnancy, the baby often settles into a head-down position, known as cephalic presentation. When the baby is head-down, kicks from the feet and legs are directed upward toward the mother’s ribs and diaphragm. Until the uterus reaches this higher position and the baby grows larger, it is normal for all movement to feel low and centralized.
Understanding Normal Movement Patterns
The type of movement evolves from gentle flutters and swishes in the second trimester to more distinct rolls, jabs, and kicks as the baby develops. By the time the third trimester begins (around 28 weeks), the focus shifts from the location of the movement to the consistency and pattern. Every baby has a unique pattern of movement, and learning what is normal for your baby is important.
Healthcare providers often recommend tracking fetal movement, sometimes called kick counting, to monitor well-being. A common guideline is to time how long it takes to feel ten distinct movements (kicks, rolls, or swishes). Ideally, this should happen within a two-hour period, though many people feel ten movements much faster. A sudden, sustained decrease in the established pattern of movement is a warning sign requiring immediate medical attention, regardless of where the movement is felt. If you notice a significant deviation from your baby’s normal pattern, contact your doctor or midwife right away.