What it means
The first light fluttering felt in the belly, usually between about 16 and 20 weeks of pregnancy; people who have been pregnant before often notice it earlier. It is a presumptive sign of pregnancy, because gas or bowel movement can feel similar. The date it was first felt can help confirm how far along the pregnancy is.
For the nurse
Teach the client that movements grow stronger and more regular over the following weeks, and how to count fetal movements later in pregnancy. A clear drop in movement later in pregnancy should be reported promptly.
At a glance
| Everyday words | feeling the baby move for the first time |
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Related terms
gravida
A pregnant woman; in a pregnancy history, the number of times a person has been pregnant, including now.
fundal height
The distance in centimeters from the top of the pubic bone to the top of the uterus, measured during pregnancy.