You are 17 weeks and 1 day

Around now you may notice your baby moving, although some women don't feel the first movements until later.

160 days until your due date

Your baby is very active, but not yet big enough for you to feel anything except the strongest kicks against the wall of your uterus. These first movements, called "quickening," feel like tiny flutters or bubbles low in your abdomen, and at first you may not notice them or may mistake them for gas.

If you've been pregnant before, you'll recognize the feeling more easily. First-time moms usually don't feel movements until about 18–20 weeks, so don't worry if you haven't felt anything yet. The flutters become more frequent and definite over time, eventually turning into recognizable kicks and nudges.

Once you can feel them, you'll become very aware of your baby's movements and may notice a pattern.

Explainer

First sensations

Around now, you may start to feel slight sensations as your baby moves around.

Focus on

Dads: Being patient

It's exciting when your partner says she can feel the baby move, a real milestone, but when you touch her belly you won't feel anything yet. Be patient; there will be plenty of chances to feel the movements later. Meanwhile, keep talking to your baby, because she can hear you!

The lowdown

That funny feeling

Was it gas, or did your baby move? Noticing your baby move for the first time starts a new chapter in bonding, and it has always been special.

In many cultures, before pregnancy tests existed, quickening was the first definite proof of pregnancy and was seen as the moment human life began. In ancient Egyptian, Greek, Native American, and Indian beliefs, it marked the moment the soul entered the baby, and Aboriginal people see the place where quickening is first felt as highly significant for the baby.

As a matter of fact

Rocked to sleep

Your movements rock your baby to sleep.

That's why you're less likely to feel your baby move when you're active; you're also more likely to be distracted and miss some movements.

This is general information based on NHS guidance, not medical advice, and every pregnancy is different. Talk to your midwife or GP about anything that worries you. If your baby's movements slow down or change, or you have bleeding, severe pain or leaking fluid, call your maternity unit straight away. In an emergency, call 999.