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Pregnancy

25th Nov 2018

When will I feel my baby move for the first time?

Orlaith Condon

It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for.

The moment you’ve watched being recreated in TV shows and movies, your baby’s first kick is a milestone moment for both mum and dad and can be quite the emotional experience.

However, when can you expect to feel the first big move and what is your baby actually doing?

From about 18 weeks into your pregnancy, you’ll probably start feeling movements from your little one.

For your first pregnancy, however, it might take a little longer for you to notice what is going on.

For expectant mums who’ve been through pregnancy before, you might become aware of movements from as early as 14 weeks because you know what to expect.

These markers might vary, however, if you haven’t felt any movement by 25 weeks, then you should make a visit to your midwife.

While it may take some time for you to feel your baby moving around, rest assured they’ve been moving since about seven weeks into your pregnancy.

But what are they actually getting up to in there without your knowing?

From seven weeks, your baby starts to bend and make small sudden movements.

From week nine onwards, your baby can now hiccup and move their arms and legs. They’re also beginning to learn how to suck and swallow and will shortly be moving their head and jaw.

At 12 weeks, your baby will be starting to yawn and from 14 weeks they will be moving their eyes.