It's completely normal to be excited about the moment when you (and others) can feel the baby's movements from the outside. Unfortunately, there isn't one specific week that applies to everyone, but for many, kicks on the outside of the belly become noticeable sometime in the middle of pregnancy, often around weeks 20-24. Some feel it a little earlier, others a little later, and both can be completely normal.
When can others feel the baby kick on the outside of the belly?
To feel the baby from the outside typically requires the movements to have become stronger and for the baby to be positioned so that the kicks hit the abdominal wall.
Rules of thumb you can use
- Many find that a partner or others can feel kicks on the outside around weeks 20-24.
- If the placenta is at the front (anterior placenta), it may take longer because it can "cushion" the kicks.
- If you have been feeling internal movements for a long time, the external ones often follow gradually.
A practical tip: Ask the other person to gently place a flat hand on your belly for 1-2 minutes, instead of "searching" for kicks with their fingers. Gentle pressure can make it easier to detect small movements.
When can you feel the first fetal movements, and when do they turn into kicks on the outside?
The first fetal movements often feel like tiny bubbles, fluttering sensations, or "popcorn" before developing into distinct kicks. Many first-time pregnant women feel the first movements around weeks 18-22, while some multiparous women may feel life earlier. The ability for others to feel it from the outside usually comes later, when the movements become stronger and more regular.
Why can't I feel the baby kick on the outside yet?
If you haven't yet felt the baby from the outside, you are far from alone. This can be due to, among other things:
- The location of the placenta (a anterior placenta can dampen movements).
- Your body type and how tense your abdominal wall is.
- The baby's position and whether the baby is kicking towards your back.
- How far along you are in your pregnancy and how strong the movements have become.
When should you react?
Contact your midwife or maternity ward if you experience significantly less movement than usual, or if you are worried. You should not wait and see if your gut feeling tells you something is different.
How to increase your chances of feeling the baby kick on the outside
You can't control the baby, but you can create good conditions to register the movements:
Specific, calm "test situations"
- Lie on your side or sit comfortably supported and give yourself 10-15 minutes of quiet time.
- Place a hand on the area where you most often feel movements internally.
- Try again at different times of the day, as the baby's activity level can vary.
Avoid pressing hard on your belly. Light touch and calm often make it easier to feel the baby's movements.
Relevant products when the belly grows and becomes more sensitive
As the belly grows, many may need extra support in everyday life, regardless of whether they can feel kicks on the outside yet. If you particularly feel heaviness in your abdomen and lower back, the Maternity Support Belt can be a practical help, as it can relieve pressure and provide a more stable feeling.
And if you prefer soft, seamless support closer to the body, the Seamless Maternity Support Band can be comfortable for everyday wear.