Day 130 of 280, second trimester
You are 18 weeks and 4 days
There's no harm in encouraging your baby to move so you're more likely to feel his wriggles.
150 days until your due date
If you're waiting to feel your baby's first movements, be patient; it's reassuring to feel him wriggle, but stressing about it isn't good for either of you. Many women, especially first-time moms, don't feel those first flutters until 18–20 weeks or later. And while you're awake, your baby spends a lot of time asleep.
There are a few ways to encourage your baby to move, and the more he moves, the more likely you are to feel it. First, stop and relax. If you've been busy all day, you may have been too distracted to notice, and keeping still may wake him, because he's no longer being rocked.
Try playing loud music, which may wake him and get him to respond; some women say their babies "kicked" in time to the rhythm!
Lying on your side with your belly supported may also get your baby moving as he shifts to fit your position. If all else fails, try a sweet, ice-cold drink.
Ask a Doctor
My baby seems to "jump" at loud noises. Am I imagining it?
No, this is common. Research shows babies can react to sounds in the uterus from as early as nine weeks. Premature babies react to sounds with a startle reflex, which strongly suggests babies in the uterus hear and react to loud noises too, possibly with sudden movements.
Explainer
An active baby
You probably can't feel it yet, but your baby is incredibly active: somersaults, stretches, and thumb and toe sucking are all part of his daily routine. He moves whether awake or asleep and has no control over his movements yet, and scans show a huge range of movement between quiet periods.
Appointments and key dates around now
- 20-week screening scanBetween 18 and 21 weeks
Read the full 18 weeks pregnant guide
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.