A change in baby's movements

During pregnancy, your baby's movements are a sign of their health. If your baby's pattern of kicks and movements changes, contact your midwife or nearest maternity unit immediately for advice.

During pregnancy, a baby’s first movements can be felt between 16 and 24 weeks, with most women noticing them between 18-20 weeks. These movements gradually develop a pattern. They increase up to around 32 weeks and then stay roughly the same.

It’s a myth that babies move less towards the end of pregnancy.

Get to know your baby’s usual pattern of movements. While your midwife will inquire about these movements at every appointment from 25–26 weeks onwards, don't wait until your next appointment if you notice any changes. Contact your midwife or maternity unit immediately.

If you think there's a change

  • If you think your baby’s movements have changed, slowed down or stopped, phone your maternity unit. Don’t put off calling till the next day to see what happens.
  • If you feel worried or unsure about your baby’s movements, don't hesitate to speak to your midwife.
  • The midwife at the unit will advise you what to do – she may ask you to come to the unit to be checked. Don’t worry about phoning – midwives would much rather you called than were worried.
  • If you’re unsure whether your baby has moved because you’re having a busy day, find time to lie down on your left side and focus on your baby’s movements for up to 1 hour. If you’re still worried, call your midwife for advice.
  • Don’t rely on devices at home such as hand-held monitors, Dopplers or phone apps to check your baby’s heartbeat. Even if you detect a heartbeat this doesn’t mean your baby is well and you may be falsely reassured.

 

These short films about the importance of knowing your baby's movements were produced for Our Chance, a campaign by the charities Sands and Best Beginnings to raise awareness of health issues in pregnancy.
More information

The Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology has information about baby's movements.

The charity Tommy's and NHS England have produced information about baby's movements.