I’m Overweight. Will It Take Longer to Feel My Baby Kick?

One of the most exciting milestones in pregnancy is feeling your baby move for the first time. For many expectant mums, this moment brings reassurance and joy as you begin to bond with your little one. But if you’re overweight, you may be wondering if it will take longer for you to feel those first kicks. You’re not alone in having this concern, and it’s a completely valid question.

In this article, we’ll explore how weight might affect when and how you feel your baby’s movements, what you can expect during pregnancy, and ways to support your health and wellbeing throughout. We’ll also hear from mums across the UK who share their experiences. Whether you’re attending antenatal care appointments, engaging in pregnancy yoga classes, or simply trying to stay informed, knowing what to expect will help you feel more confident in your journey.

1. When Should You Expect to Feel Your Baby’s Movements?

Typically, most women feel their baby’s movements for the first time between 18 and 24 weeks of pregnancy. This sensation is often described as a fluttering or quickening. For first-time mums, it might take closer to the 24-week mark to identify those initial movements, while mums who’ve had previous pregnancies may notice them earlier.

However, it’s important to remember that everyone’s experience is different. Several factors can affect when and how you feel your baby move, including the position of your placenta, whether it’s your first pregnancy, and, yes, your weight.

“If you’re waiting eagerly to feel your baby kick, don’t worry if it doesn’t happen exactly when you expect,” reassures Dr. Emma Harris, an antenatal consultant from Leeds. “There’s a lot of variability, and weight is just one of many factors.”

2. How Does Being Overweight Affect Feeling Baby Movements?

While being overweight doesn’t impact your baby’s ability to move inside the womb, it might make it harder for you to feel those first kicks. This is due to the extra padding in your abdomen that can dampen the sensation of those initial, gentle movements.

Katie, a mum from Newcastle, shared her experience: “I’m a bit on the heavier side, and I didn’t feel my baby kick until around 22 weeks. At first, I worried something was wrong, but my midwife reassured me that it’s completely normal. Once I felt those kicks, it was amazing!”

That said, if you’re overweight or have a higher BMI, you’re likely to feel your baby move more clearly as the pregnancy progresses and the kicks become stronger. By the third trimester, those movements will be much more pronounced, regardless of your size.

It’s important to keep in touch with your healthcare provider, who will monitor your baby’s development during antenatal appointments and offer guidance on when you should expect to feel regular movements. If you’re concerned or unsure, never hesitate to ask for antenatal support.

3. Other Factors That Affect Baby Movements

Weight isn’t the only thing that can influence when and how you feel your baby’s kicks. Here are a few other factors that might play a role:

Position of the Placenta: If you have an anterior placenta (where the placenta is positioned at the front of your uterus), it can cushion the baby’s movements, making it harder to feel them early on. This is common and typically doesn’t affect the health of your pregnancy.

First-Time Mums: If it’s your first pregnancy, you may not recognise baby’s movements as quickly. The sensation can be subtle and may feel like gas or muscle twitches at first.

Activity Level: Babies tend to move more when you’re relaxed or lying down. You may notice movements most when you’re resting, rather than when you’re busy with daily activities.

Baby’s Position: The position of your baby in the womb can also make a difference. If your baby is facing your back, you might feel kicks less strongly than if they’re positioned more towards the front.

It’s always a good idea to keep a close connection with your antenatal clinic and discuss your baby’s movements during your pregnancy checkups. Your healthcare team can offer reassurance and ensure everything is progressing as it should.

4. Tips for Feeling Your Baby’s Movements

If you’re eagerly waiting for those kicks and flutters, here are a few tips to help you tune in and feel your baby’s movements:

a. Relaxation Techniques

Taking time to relax and focus on your body can make it easier to notice baby movements. Many mums find that practicing antenatal yoga or prenatal yoga classes helps them to connect with their body and tune into those early movements. “Pregnancy yoga classes really helped me unwind,” says Chloe, a mum from Bristol. “I found that after class, when I was relaxed, I was more aware of my baby moving.”

b. Massage and Bonding

Some mums find that gentle prenatal massage can enhance their connection with their baby, as it promotes relaxation and increases body awareness. A calming massage for pregnancy can also reduce stress, which might make you more attuned to your baby’s movements.

“I treated myself to a couple of pregnancy massages around the 20-week mark,” says Hannah from Liverpool. “It was so relaxing, and it really helped me to focus on my body. Soon after, I felt the first flutter of movement, and it was magical.”

c. Lie Down on Your Side

If you’re trying to feel your baby move, find a quiet space and lie down on your side. This position often encourages babies to move, and you’ll be more likely to notice the sensation. Some mums also recommend drinking a cold glass of water or a snack to prompt baby to kick.

d. Track Your Baby’s Movements

Once you start feeling regular movements, tracking them can be a helpful way to stay connected and monitor your baby’s wellbeing. The NHS advises that you should feel your baby move regularly from around 24 weeks. If at any point you notice a reduction in movement, it’s important to contact your antenatal clinic or midwife for further advice.

5. How Your Healthcare Provider Can Help

During your antenatal checkups, your midwife or doctor will routinely ask about your baby’s movements and monitor your pregnancy’s progress. They’ll also help address any concerns you might have about your baby’s movements, regardless of your weight.

If you’re attending regular antenatal appointments, your healthcare provider can assess your baby’s activity through antenatal scans and other checks. They’ll also guide you on what to expect and when to call for support if you have concerns about reduced movements.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions during your appointments or consider joining local antenatal classes to learn more about monitoring your baby’s movements and maintaining your overall health.

6. Antenatal Support for Overweight Mums

Being overweight doesn’t mean that your pregnancy is inherently more difficult, but there are steps you can take to ensure you feel supported and healthy throughout. Engaging in antenatal fitness, such as gentle yoga for pregnancy, can not only support your physical health but also make it easier for you to connect with your growing baby.

“I started antenatal yoga at 16 weeks, and it was such a great way to stay active without overdoing it,” shares Jess, a mum from Brighton. “It helped with my overall wellbeing and made me feel more connected to my baby.”

You might also find relaxation techniques like prenatal massage helpful. Pregnancy massage benefits include relieving muscle tension, reducing stress, and promoting better sleep. By staying relaxed and calm, you’re more likely to notice those little kicks as your baby grows.

Your healthcare provider or antenatal clinic will be able to recommend classes, services, and additional antenatal education to support you throughout pregnancy.

Will It Take Longer to Feel Your Baby Kick?

In summary, being overweight can slightly delay when you first feel your baby’s kicks due to the extra padding in your abdomen. However, once your baby grows stronger and more active, you’ll still be able to feel and enjoy their movements. Remember that every pregnancy is different, and many factors, including the position of your placenta and whether you’re a first-time mum, can also play a role.

Most importantly, stay connected with your antenatal care team and seek support when needed. Whether you’re attending regular antenatal checkups, practicing prenatal yoga, or booking a relaxing pregnancy massage, there are many ways to care for yourself and your baby during this exciting time.