Quickening or the first feeling of fetal movement usually happens around 20 weeks in first pregnancies and about 16 weeks in later pregnancies. Once quickening occurs it’s typical to not feel regular movement until 24 weeks. After 24 weeks, a healthy fetus should move 5 times per hour during a “busy time”. A sudden absence of fetal movement after 24 weeks, or a significant decrease in the amount or strength of fetal movement can sometimes be a sign of fetal distress. Contact your health care provider with concerns or questions.
It is important to remember that there are many factors that can influence fetal movement, for expamle , time of day, smoking, last meal or fluids, also maternal medications or maternal anxiety can play an important role.
Contact your doctor office if you have any concerns.