First Kicks

Most parents feel clear fetal movement for the first time around now. Those first kicks are among the most treasured moments of pregnancy.

First felt fetal movement (quickening)

This week's tip

💡 Stretch your calves before bed and stay well hydrated to reduce leg cramps — if one wakes you at night, flex your foot upward (toes toward your knee) to release it quickly.

Baby this week

🍠

About the size of

a sweet potato

Length

14.2 cm

Weight

190 g

Development

Movements are becoming stronger — kicks, punches, and rolls are all happening.
Baby's ears are fully developed and well-positioned — loud sounds may startle them.
Myelin (a protective coating) begins forming around nerve fibers in the brain.
Baby may be able to hear your heartbeat and digestive sounds.
Female babies: the uterus and fallopian tubes are fully formed.

How you might feel

Fetal movement is often clearly felt for the first time around now.
Your belly button may begin to push outward.
Varicose veins may begin to appear.
Leg cramps, especially at night, are very common.
Shortness of breath can begin as the uterus pushes upward.

Things to do this week

Schedule your anatomy scan if you haven't already (weeks 18–20)
Begin kick-counting discussions with your care team (typically starts later, but awareness matters)
Explore childbirth classes and sign up — they fill up fast
Stretch your calves before bed to reduce leg cramps

When to contact your care team

This is general guidance, not medical advice.

Contact your care team if you haven't felt any movement by week 24.

Partner tip

Be present for the anatomy scan — it's one of the most visually detailed looks at your baby before birth.