At what gestational age can a mother typically first feel fetal movement?

A mother typically first feels fetal movement, often described as "quickening," around the 20-week mark of gestation. At this stage, the fetus has grown sufficiently in size and strength to cause noticeable movements that the mother can feel. Prior to 20 weeks, particularly in the earlier stages of pregnancy, fetal movements are usually too subtle and not distinct enough for the mother to recognize.

While some women may report feeling movements as early as 16 to 18 weeks, this is less common and can depend on factors such as the mother's body type, whether it's her first pregnancy, and the position of the placenta. By 20 weeks, most expecting mothers are able to reliably perceive fetal movements, which is why this gestational age is used as a standard benchmark. As pregnancy progresses, fetal movement typically increases in frequency and intensity, further affirming the growing activity and health of the fetus.