Flutters, or the first sensations of fetal movement, typically start between 16 and 22 weeks of pregnancy, though this can vary depending on factors like the mother’s body type and whether it’s her first pregnancy.
When Do Flutters Start in Pregnancy? | What to Expect from Early Fetal Movements
Feeling your baby move for the first time is one of the most exciting moments in pregnancy. I remember anxiously waiting to feel those first flutters, wondering what they would feel like and when they would begin. So, when do flutters start in pregnancy? Most women feel these early movements, often described as flutters or “quickening,” between 16 and 22 weeks. However, the exact timing can vary based on individual factors, such as whether this is your first pregnancy or your body type.
In this article, we’ll explore what flutters feel like, when you can expect to experience them, and how they change as your baby grows.
What Are Pregnancy Flutters?
Flutters, also known as “quickening,” refer to the early movements of your baby inside the womb. These movements can feel like gentle, bubbly sensations or soft taps. At this stage, the baby is still small, so the movements are often subtle and easy to miss, especially for first-time mothers.
1. What Do Flutters Feel Like?
Pregnancy flutters can be described in many ways, depending on how they feel to the mother. Some women describe them as a fluttering sensation, similar to butterflies in the stomach, while others say it feels like gentle bubbles or soft taps. It’s not uncommon to mistake flutters for gas or indigestion at first, especially in early pregnancy.
- Tip: If you’re unsure whether you’re feeling flutters or something else, try lying down in a quiet room. Many women find it easier to detect movements when they’re relaxed and not distracted.
2. What Causes Flutters?
Flutters are caused by your baby moving inside the womb. Around the 16-week mark, babies become more active, kicking, stretching, and moving their arms and legs. However, because they are still small, the movements may not be strong enough to feel consistently at first.
- Tip: Early flutters are usually sporadic, so don’t worry if you don’t feel them regularly in the beginning. Movements become more consistent as the pregnancy progresses.
Table 1: Common Descriptions of Early Pregnancy Flutters
| Description | Sensation Type | How it Feels |
| Butterfly-like Flutters | Gentle and light | Feels like tiny wings fluttering in your belly |
| Bubbly Sensations | Soft and bubbly | Like gas bubbles or light tapping |
| Gentle Taps or Pops | Quick, soft bursts of movement | Similar to a light muscle twitch or tap |
When Do Flutters Start? | Timing and Factors That Affect It
Most women begin to feel flutters between 16 and 22 weeks of pregnancy, but several factors can influence when you might feel them for the first time. Let’s explore these factors and what they mean for your pregnancy experience.
1. First-Time Mothers vs. Second-Time Mothers
If this is your first pregnancy, you might feel flutters later than someone who has been pregnant before. First-time mothers may not recognize the subtle movements as early because they don’t know what to expect or may mistake them for other bodily sensations like gas.
- First-Time Mothers: On average, flutters begin around 18 to 22 weeks.
- Second-Time Mothers: Women who have been pregnant before may feel flutters as early as 16 weeks since they are more familiar with the sensation.
- Tip: If you’re in your first pregnancy and haven’t felt any movement by 22 weeks, don’t panic. Talk to your healthcare provider to ensure everything is on track, but many women don’t feel regular movements until later in the second trimester.
2. Body Type and Weight
Your body type and weight can also influence when you first feel flutters. Women with a smaller frame or less abdominal fat may feel movements earlier, while those with more abdominal tissue might not feel the flutters until later.
- Tip: If you have a smaller body frame, you may notice flutters around 16 weeks. For those with a higher BMI, flutters may not be noticeable until closer to 20 weeks.
3. Position of the Placenta
The position of your placenta can affect how early you feel your baby move. If the placenta is positioned at the front of your uterus (anterior placenta), it may cushion the movements, making them harder to detect early on.
- Tip: An anterior placenta may delay when you first feel flutters, but as your baby grows, the movements will become stronger and easier to feel.
Table 2: Factors Influencing the Timing of Flutters
| Factor | Impact on When Flutters Start | Explanation |
| First-Time vs. Experienced Mother | First-time mothers feel flutters later | Experienced moms recognize movements earlier |
| Body Type and Weight | Smaller frames may feel flutters earlier | Extra abdominal tissue can delay sensation |
| Placenta Position | Anterior placentas delay the feeling of flutters | Placenta cushions baby’s movements |
How to Encourage Baby Movements
If you’re excited to feel your baby move and want to encourage flutters, there are a few tricks you can try. These activities might help you detect movements more easily, especially as your baby gets bigger.
1. Eat or Drink Something Sweet
Babies tend to respond to the intake of food, especially something sweet. After eating a small snack or drinking a cold beverage, try lying down to see if you notice any movement. The sugar can stimulate the baby, making them more active.
- Tip: A small glass of fruit juice or a sweet snack like a cookie can sometimes get your baby moving within 20 to 30 minutes.
2. Lie Down in a Quiet Space
When you’re active during the day, you may not notice subtle movements. Lying down, especially on your side, can help you focus on what’s happening inside your belly. Many women find it easiest to feel flutters when they’re resting and relaxed.
- Tip: Try lying on your left side, as this position increases blood flow to the uterus, which may make your baby more active.
3. Gently Press on Your Belly
Sometimes gently pressing on your belly can encourage your baby to move. Babies often respond to external touch, especially after 20 weeks when they become more sensitive to stimulation.
- Tip: Try placing your hand gently on your belly and see if your baby reacts to the pressure by kicking or moving.
Table 3: Tips for Encouraging Baby Flutters
| Method | How It Encourages Movement | When to Try It |
| Eat or Drink Something Sweet | Sugar stimulates the baby | After a snack or cold drink |
| Lie Down in a Quiet Space | Resting allows you to focus on sensations | In the evening or when relaxed |
| Gently Press on Your Belly | Babies respond to touch and pressure | After 20 weeks |
How Flutters Change Over Time
As your pregnancy progresses, those early flutters will change into more pronounced kicks and movements. Understanding how these movements evolve can help you keep track of your baby’s development.
1. From Flutters to Kicks
At first, flutters may feel soft and sporadic, but as your baby grows, these movements will become more noticeable. By 24 to 28 weeks, you’ll likely start feeling more defined kicks, rolls, and stretches.
- Tip: As your baby grows stronger, their movements will shift from gentle flutters to more forceful kicks and jabs.
2. Establishing a Pattern
Around the third trimester, you may notice that your baby develops a pattern of activity. Many babies are more active during certain times of the day, such as after meals or in the evening.
- Tip: Pay attention to your baby’s routine, as changes in their usual activity can sometimes indicate the need for a check-up with your healthcare provider.
3. Tracking Movements in the Third Trimester
By the third trimester, your baby’s movements will be much more regular, and you’ll be encouraged to track them. Most doctors recommend counting your baby’s kicks, especially in the final weeks of pregnancy, to ensure they are staying active and healthy.
- Tip: A typical method for tracking kicks is to count how long it takes to feel 10 movements. This should typically take less than 2 hours.
FAQs – When Do Flutters Start in Pregnancy?
When do pregnancy flutters start?
Flutters, or the first fetal movements, typically start between 16 and 22 weeks of pregnancy. However, the exact timing can vary depending on whether it’s your first pregnancy, your body type, and the position of the placenta.
What do pregnancy flutters feel like?
Flutters feel like gentle, bubbly sensations, or soft taps, similar to gas bubbles or light muscle twitches. Early movements can be subtle and easy to miss.
Do first-time mothers feel flutters later?
Yes, first-time mothers often feel flutters later, typically between 18 and 22 weeks, because they may not recognize the subtle sensations as early as those who have been pregnant before.
Can body type affect when you feel flutters?
Yes, women with a smaller body frame may feel flutters earlier, while those with more abdominal fat may not feel them until later in pregnancy.
Does the placenta’s position affect when I feel flutters?
Yes, if you have an anterior placenta (positioned at the front of the uterus), it may cushion your baby’s movements, making it harder to feel early flutters.
How can I encourage my baby to move?
Eating or drinking something sweet, lying down in a quiet space, and gently pressing on your belly can sometimes stimulate baby movements, making them easier to feel.
What if I don’t feel flutters by 22 weeks?
If you haven’t felt any movement by 22 weeks, it’s a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider. They may perform an ultrasound to check on the baby’s activity and development.
Do flutters mean the baby is healthy?
Feeling flutters is a good sign that your baby is active and developing. However, if you notice any changes in your baby’s movements, such as a sudden decrease in activity, contact your doctor.
When will flutters turn into kicks?
Flutters usually evolve into more defined kicks, jabs, and rolls around 24 to 28 weeks, as your baby grows stronger and their movements become more noticeable.
Should I track my baby’s movements in the third trimester?
Yes, tracking your baby’s movements in the third trimester is important. Many healthcare providers recommend counting kicks to ensure your baby is staying active, especially in the final weeks of pregnancy.
Conclusion: When Do Flutters Start in Pregnancy?
Cherishing the First Flutters and Preparing for Stronger Movements
Feeling your baby move for the first time is a special moment in pregnancy. Most women begin to feel flutters between 16 and 22 weeks, but this can vary depending on whether it’s your first pregnancy and your body type. As those early flutters evolve into stronger kicks and rolls, they become a reassuring sign of your baby’s growth and development. By paying attention to your baby’s movements and tracking their activity in the later stages of pregnancy, you can ensure they’re thriving in the womb.