Quickening
Quickening is the term for the first time a pregnant person consciously feels their baby moving. It is often described as gentle flutters, bubbles, or a soft tapping sensation in the lower abdomen. For first-time mothers, quickening typically happens between 18 and 22 weeks, when you are less familiar with what fetal movement feels like. Women who have been pregnant before often notice it earlier, around 16 to 18 weeks, because they recognise the sensation. The exact timing varies depending on the position of the placenta and how tuned-in you are to subtle sensations. It is one of the most memorable and reassuring milestones in pregnancy.
What This Means for You
Understanding Quickening is an important part of your second trimester journey. During pregnancy, your care team will use this term regularly. Being familiar with it means you can ask better questions and feel more confident at your antenatal appointments.
Explore our Pregnancy hubGood to Know
An anterior placenta, where the placenta sits at the front of the uterus, can cushion kicks and delay when you first feel movement. This is very common and is nothing to worry about, but it is worth mentioning to your obstetrician or midwife at your next visit.
Related Terms
Source: https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/glossary-of-pregnancy-and-labour
Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised advice.
Free Tools for Singapore Parents
Put your knowledge into action with our free calculators and trackers.