The information on this page is from Tommy's: Feeling your baby move is a sign that they are well. This information can be translated into different languages using the accessibility tool at the bottom of the window, or the leaflet is available in different languages on the Tommy's website, using the link above.
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.
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.
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.
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.
DO NOT WAIT until the next day to get advice if you are worried about your baby's movements
- Do not put off getting in touch with a Midwife or your Maternity Unit.
- Do no worry about phoning. It is important you talk to a Midwife or your Maternity Unit for advice even if you are notsure. 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 movements, 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.
DO NOT USE HOME DOPPLERS
Do not use hand-held monitors, Dopplers or phone apps to check your baby's health. Even if you hear a heartbeat, this does not mean your baby is well.
If you are worried about your baby's movements you should contact Triage on 01270 273116. The Midwife will assess you and your baby's individual situation and advise you accordingly.
What will happen if I need to be seen?
The care you will be given will depend on your stage of pregnancy:
- If you are less than 26 weeks pregnant the Midwife will listen to your baby's heartbeat and perform a full antenatal check-up. If there are any additional concerns it may be necessary to refer you for further assessment.
- If you are 26 weeks pregnant or over the Midwife will listen to your baby's heartbeat and perform a full antenatal check-up. They will put you on a machine that monitors your baby's heartbeat. This can last up to an hour and provides information about your baby's wellbeing. Many babies will start to move normally after this and you will usually be able to go home. In some cases it may be necessary for you to be seen by a Doctor and an ultrasound scan may be arranged. Very rarely it may be safer for your baby to be born as soon as possible.
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.
