You can usually feel your baby move for the first time between 16 and 22 weeks of pregnancy. The baby may start moving earlier, around 8 or 9 weeks, but these movements are still too small to be felt.
At first, the movements may feel like light fluttering, bubbles, waves, or small tremors. Many people describe it as feeling like “butterflies.” Around 28 weeks, the movements usually become more regular, and they may become stronger until about 32 weeks.
It is normal not to feel the baby move early in pregnancy, especially during a first pregnancy. Because the feeling is new, it may be mistaken for gas or mild cramps. People who are overweight or have more abdominal fat may also notice movements later.
A simple way to try to feel the baby move is to lie on your back after dinner, stay still, relax, and pay attention to the baby. Some pregnant people notice movement more often at night. If you have not felt movement after 22 weeks, or if movements suddenly decrease, increase a lot, or stop, contact your OB-GYN or go to the emergency room for evaluation.