Quickening in pregnancy refers to the movements of an infant in the womb that are a sign of the baby's increasing strength and coordination as its nervous system matures. This is a significant developmental milestone in foetal growth during pregnancy, characterised by flutters and kicks. A comprehensive understanding of quickening is necessary for expecting parents, serving as a means to monitor foetal well-being and progression.

Quickening typically occurs between 16 to 25 weeks of pregnancy, varying from woman to woman and pregnancy to pregnancy. Research shows that first-time mothers may feel quickening closer to 25 weeks, while those who have been pregnant before may notice it as early as 16 weeks.

When to Expect the First Movement?

The study's results indicate that quickening, the first perception of fetal movements, occurs at a mean gestational age of 133 days for women getting pregnant for the first time, ranging from 96 to 175 days. Notably, women with an anterior placenta experience quickening later than those with a posterior placenta, with mean gestational ages of 136.1 days and 129.7 days, respectively.

Additionally, quickening in pregnancy is associated with factors such as placental site and BMI, with women experiencing quickening at different gestational ages based on these factors.

What Quickening Feels Like?

The sensation of quickening can vary among individuals. Some women describe it as small muscle spasms, pulsing or tapping, bubbles popping, or fluttering or flickering. Initially very subtle, quickening may feel like butterflies or gas bubbles, gradually evolving into more pronounced movements like kicks and rolls as the pregnancy progresses.

The location where quickening is felt can vary but is typically low in the belly near the pubic bone. The intensity and frequency of quickening can differ among pregnancies and individuals, influenced by factors such as the baby's activity level, placental position, and maternal sensitivity to movements. On average, at least ten movements are felt every two hours by the third trimester.

If there is a perceived decrease in the foetus's movements or if this point does not feel strong kicks, it is advisable to seek medical advice.

Encouraging Foetal Movement

The foetus follows a sleep-and-wake cycle, leading to variations in movement. If there is a lack of movement, some activities such as talking to the belly, playing loud music, rubbing or tapping the belly, going for a walk, or consuming a meal or sugary beverage may encourage movement. If movement is still not felt, finding a quiet place, placing hands on the belly, and focusing may help notice the movements.

Addressing Pain Related to Quickening

Quickening is generally associated with pain. However, in rare cases, severe abdominal pain exacerbated by foetal movement can be an early sign of uterine rupture, a serious obstetric complication. To manage pain and distress, various strategies are recommended, including local infiltration with lidocaine or nerve blocks, combined pain management approaches, and short-acting anxiolysis or sedative if needed.

Pregnant women need to differentiate between normal quickening sensations and any unusual or severe pain that may require medical attention to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the baby.

Quickening related issues

If perceived foetal movement decreases, doctors usually perform a non-stress test to assess foetal movement and heart rate acceleration. A reactive non-stress test requires specific accelerations in foetal heart rate, whereas a non-reactive test may indicate foetal sleep or compromise, necessitating additional testing. The non-stress test can be extended to account for foetal sleep, but if concerns remain, a biophysical profile (BPP) ultrasound is frequently used to assess various foetal parameters.

In cases where reassurance is not provided, consideration for delivery may be required. According to research, increased foetal movements can predict adverse neonatal outcomes, highlighting the importance of foetal movement monitoring as a low-cost, low-tech method of preventing potential issues in unborn babies.

Monitoring Baby's Movements

As the baby develops, more pronounced movements such as kicking, punching, and rolling become noticeable. The baby's movements may also be influenced by external stimuli such as noise and the mother's emotions. As pregnancy progresses, monitoring the frequency and pattern of the baby's movements becomes important.

Conclusion

The first sensation of quickening in pregnancy is a significant milestone eagerly anticipated by many parents-to-be. It is important to recognise that each pregnancy is unique, and the timing and intensity of movements can vary. If there are concerns about the baby's movements, seeking guidance from a healthcare provider is always advisable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. When Do You Start Feeling Movement in Pregnancy?
A1. If this is your first pregnancy, you may not notice movement until about 20 weeks. If you’ve been pregnant, you may recognise movement earlier, usually around 16 weeks. The location of your placenta may also affect when you feel movement.

Q2. What Does Quickening Feel Like?
A2. Quickening can feel different for everyone, described as small muscle spasms, pulsing, tapping, bubbles popping, or fluttering. The movements start subtly and become stronger as the pregnancy progresses

Q3. How Often Do You Feel Quickening?
A3. Generally, women start to notice movement by 20 to 24 weeks in pregnancy. Establishing your baby's usual habits is essential to recognising any changes in movement patterns.

Q4. Can I Make the Foetus/Baby Move?
A4. Yes, there are various methods to encourage foetal movement,, such as talking to your belly, playing music, rubbing or tapping your belly, going for a walk, eating a meal or drinking a sugary beverage, or finding a quiet place to focus on feeling the movements.

Q5. Does Quickening Hurt?
A5. Quickening should not be painful. If you experience severe pain or cramping during pregnancy or when the baby moves, it's important to contact your doctor to rule out any complications.

Sources:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/22829-quickening-in-pregnancy
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6400282/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470566/
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.11.27.20239665v1.full.pdf