Feeling your baby move is a sign that they are well
Most women usually begin to feel their baby move between 16 and 24 weeks of pregnancy. A baby’s movements can be described as anything from a kick, flutter, swish, or roll. The type of movement may chance as your pregnancy progresses.
How often should my baby move?
There is no set number of normal movements. From 16-24 weeks on you should feel the baby move more and more up until 32 weeks then stay roughly the same until you give birth.
Do not wait until the next day to seek advise if you are worried about your baby’s movements.
Get to know your baby’s movements
It is not true that babies move less towards the end of pregnancy or in labour.
You should continue to feel your baby move right up to the time you go into labour and whilst you are in labour too.
Why are my baby’s movements important?
A reduction in a baby’s movements can be an important warning sign that a baby is unwell.
Around half of women who had a stillbirth noticed their baby’s movements had slowed down or stopped.
If you think your baby’s movements have slowed down or stopped, speak to your midwife or maternity unit immediately (midwives are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week). There is always a midwife available, even at night.
- Do not put off getting in touch with a midwife or your maternity unit.
- Do not worry about phoning, it is important you talk to a midwife or your maternity unit for advice even if you are uncertain. It is very likely that they will want to see you straight away.
What if my baby’s movements become reduced again?
If, after your check up, you are still not happy with your baby’s movement, you must contact either your midwife or maternity unit straight away, even if everything was normal last time.
Never hesitate to contact your midwife or the maternity unit for advice, no matter how many times this happens. There are midwives on duty in the maternity unit 24 hours a day.
Do not use hand-held monitors, Dopplers or phone apps to check your baby’s heartbeat.
Even if you detect a heartbeat, this does not mean your baby is well.
This leaflet is from Tommy’s Pregnancy Hub.