Haven’t felt baby’s 1st movement - 22 weeks

[Bumblealong1]

Hi, I’m 22 weeks and have yet to feel any movement from the baby.
It’s my first pregnancy and I believe I have an anterior placenta- both of which I know contribute to movement being harder to detect.

I have spent hours trying to feel something and waiting/feeling so am pretty sure I’m not just missing it as I don’t know what to look out for etc.

I had my latest scan at 21.5weeks and I was told the baby is fine. I was told that if I feel nothing by 24weeks then I should make an appointment as they really expect it by then.

I was just wondering, has anyone had to make an appointment due to lack of feeling 1st movements?
What would they normally do in such an appointment?

I’m just trying to understand what the process is and I would appreciate any advice.

I didnt feel anything til 23 weeks and even now sometimes its hard to tell whats a movement BUT i am overweight

I’ve had three and was late to feel movement with all of them. I had the placenta at the front each time. It was definitely after 20 weeks with each of them, I can’t remember exactly but it was at least a week or two after the scan each time. You’re not missing out at all, as soon as you start feeling stuff it will be non stop!

I was in your position last year. I had an anterior placenta and it was a first pregnancy. You'll find that midwives tend to dismiss an anterior placenta and say it's not being a good reason to stop you feeling movement. They say this because they are so conscious that in later stages it's not used as an excuse and problems get missed. I agree it is a really stressful situation to be in. Mine did increase and yours will too, but I never got the visible kicks and I never had a kick that hurt me. I had a small bump and tight stomach muscles which could have been another factor but I think some of it is just genetics. I'd just say to go in for overnight monitoring if need be in the later stages (30 plus weeks). You're not wasting anyone's time. I remember going in around 23 weeks to see a midwife and she immediately said "oh a big jump" as soon as she put the equipment on my stomach. I couldn't feel it! They will just do all the standard blood pressure and urine checks then listen with a doppler and feel with their hands. In later stages of the 3rd trimester they will place equipment on you are ask you to press buttons if you feel movement. They are trying to work out patterns and monitor for distress etc. If there's any doubt they might keep you in overnight or for the day to do another set of monitoring. I found I felt little the first round and much more the second round- I wondered if it was because I'd had time to relax and do nothing. Everything is almost certainly fine, you just might be in for a bit more worry about this particular part of pregnancy.

@dvg @pitapotamus thank you for the reassurance.
@petrarabbit.
Thank you for your detailed response. I too have a small bump- it’s not noticeable at all yet- and have been told I have strong stomach muscles so maybe they do play a part.
It’s interesting to hear that youra never came with a great intensity. Maybe I just have to lower my expectations of what I will feel.
I will talk to the midwife at my next appointment when i’ll be 23 weeks and take it from there.

Thanks again all

The first movements often don't feel obviously like a kick, but just a bit of a fluttering sensation. It's really hard to describe, but once you've felt it, there is no doubt in your mind. The waiting for things to happen is excruciating isn't it?!