Your baby's movements

Most women usually begin to feel their baby move between 16 and 24 weeks of pregnancy. You should feel your baby move more and more up until 32 weeks then the movements should stay roughly the same until you give birth. It's not true that babies move less toward the end of pregnancy. You should continue to feel your baby move right up to the time you go into labour and whilst you are in labour too.

Your baby will have its own pattern of movements and it’s important that you get to know that pattern so that you can recognise any changes.

Find out more about how to keep track of your baby’s movements and why it’s important on the Kicks Count website.

If you notice that your baby's moving less than normal

If you notice that your baby’s usual movements have changed, particularly if they have slowed down or stopped, contact the ante-natal clinic on +44 (0) 1534 442495 during office opening times or the Delivery Suite on +44 (0) 1534 442448 out of hours. Don’t put of calling until the next day to see what happens.

It’s likely that your midwife will tell you to come into the maternity / antenatal unit so that they can check that everything is ok.

To check your baby is ok, your midwife will place electronic sensors on top of your stomach to measure your baby's heartbeat and movement. Each sensor is attached to a wire, which is connected to the machine, and an elastic belt hold the sensors in place. Your midwife will then monitor to you for a set amount of time. Once your midwife is happy that your baby’s heartbeat and movements are normal you’ll be able to go home.

If your baby’s movements change again after you’ve been checked

If, after your check up, you’re still not happy with your baby’s movements, you must contact your maternity unit straight away, even if everything was normal last time.

Never hesitate to contact your maternity unit or midwife no matter how many times this happens. Your midwife will always take your concerns seriously.