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.
Every baby is different.
From 16–24 weeks on you should feel your baby move more and more up until 32 weeks.
From then, movements should stay roughly the same until you give birth and during labour too.
Call your maternity unit and go to get checked straight away if:
• your baby is moving less than normal
• movements feel weaker than normal
• movements have stopped
If you are worried about your baby's movements you should contact Triage on 01270 273116.
Why are my baby’s movements important?
Sometimes, a baby who moves less is not getting enough oxygen. A small number of babies who move less are stillborn (this means they die before they are born).
So it is important to get checked straight away even if your pregnancy has been straightforward or you have not had any problems before.
DO NOT WAIT until the next day to get checked. The maternity unit
is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week. You can call and get checked
any time of the day or night.
If you are away from home, you can contact any maternity unit.
• Do not do anything to try and make your baby move.
• Do not use home dopplers, hand held monitors or phone apps to check your baby’s heartbeat. Even if you hear a heartbeat, this does not mean your baby is well.
What if my baby is moving less after I have been checked?
Contact your maternity unit straight away.
Do this even if you have been seen earlier the same day or were recently told your baby was well. Always get checked, no matter how many times this happens.
I am not sure about movements, but I just feel that something is wrong. What should I do?
You know your body and your pregnancy best.
If you feel that something is wrong, contact your maternity unit and tell them you are coming in. You should do this even if you can’t explain exactly why you feel that something is wrong.
What will happen when I get checked in hospital?
If you do not get these checks and tests, you should ask for them. Show your midwife or doctor this leaflet.
If your doctor or midwife wants to do different checks, they should explain the medical
reason why. You can still ask for the checks and tests in this leaflet too.
The care you will be given will depend on your stage of pregnancy:
- 24 - 26 weeks pregnant. A midwife or doctor will:
- listen to your baby's heartbeat
- ask about your baby's movements
- check your blood pressure
- check your urine
- check the size of your bump
- 26 weeks onwards. The midwife or doctor will also:
- monitor your baby’s heartrate and movements using a CTG monitor - a machine that is strapped to your stomach and shows your baby’s heartbeat.
What will happen next?
If your doctor or midwife has any concerns, they will talk to you about what should happen next.
You should not be sent home until:
• your baby’s movements are reassuring to you
• any tests show that you and your baby are well at that time
If the tests show any problems, you should not be sent home without a clear plan.
