Dog rests his head on baby bump—then the kick comes

A sweet, quiet moment between a pregnant woman and her dog turned into something unforgettable when the baby gave a well-timed kick… right into the pup’s head! The dog’s wide-eyed reaction, captured in a video posted to Instagram on June 30, has earned over 580,000 likes, and moms everywhere are feeling both the laughter and the love.

Why these baby bump cuddles feel so powerful

Many pet owners swear their dogs knew they were pregnant before they did. I know I felt it myself. My dog has always been attached to me, but those first few weeks after I got pregnant? She was glued to my side. It’s incredible what animals pick up on in their owners, often before we’re even ready to admit to ourselves that something has changed.

Experts believe this heightened sensitivity comes down to a mix of biology and intuition. While research hasn’t definitively proven that dogs can detect pregnancy, scientists say it’s likely they pick up on the hormonal shifts and changes in our body odor that come with it. With up to 300 million scent receptors, dogs live in a world of smell, and they notice every tiny change.

Related: You won’t believe what this 14-year-old dog did when she heard a crying baby

How dogs sense pregnancy

Beyond scent, dogs are also experts at reading behavior and routine. They notice when our energy changes, when we move differently, and even when our moods shift. Some dogs become more protective or clingy during pregnancy, almost as if they sense their role in the family is about to evolve.

Behaviorists say this isn’t just a coincidence. Dogs thrive on consistency, so when they detect change—whether it’s hormonal or simply a difference in the way we carry ourselves—they respond. And for many expecting moms, that response looks a lot like unconditional loyalty.

Related: Can dogs sense you’re pregnant? Here’s what science and pet experts say

Why this moment hits home for moms

The dog cuddling its owner’s bump and reacting to that first kick captures a feeling that’s instantly recognizable to so many parents. It shows how pregnancy is felt not just by moms but by everyone in the home—pets included.

And maybe that’s why moms can’t stop sharing their own stories. Did your dog suddenly become a shadow during your pregnancy? Did your cat start sleeping on your belly every night? For so many of us, these are the first signs that our growing families are already reshaping the way we’re loved.

What to keep in mind as your pet adjusts

For moms preparing to welcome a baby, it can be reassuring to know that pets don’t just adapt, they bond. Experts suggest introducing baby gear and sounds ahead of time so pets feel included in the transition. Some families even bring home a baby blanket from the hospital first so the dog can get used to the scent before the official introduction.

These small steps help create a smooth transition, but the truth is that many pets don’t need much convincing. They already know. They’ve been watching, sniffing, and waiting—long before we ever pulled out the baby monitor.

This video, and that perfectly timed kick, shows how remarkable animals can be in the way they sense and respond to the changes in our lives. For moms, it’s one of the sweetest comforts of all.