Your Baby’s Movements
Call the Midwife Urgent Triage Line * line straight away on 0300 123 5473 at any time during the day or night (do not wait until the next day and do not try to make your baby move ) if:
- Your baby is moving less than usual
- Their movements are weaker
- Their movements have stopped
- You fell that something is wrong even if you can't explain why
You should get checked every time you feel concerned, even if previous checks have been normal.
Feeling your baby move is a sign that they are well. There are no set number of movements and every baby is different.
Movements generally become noticeable between 16 and 20 weeks of pregnancy and continue to increase until approx. 32 weeks of pregnancy when the movements stay roughly the same until birth.
While it is true that as they grow the type of movements you feel may change over time, the frequency and pattern of your baby's movement once established, should stay the same for the reminder of your pregnancy and even in labour. Baby’s do not run out of room to move or slowdown their movements at the end of pregnancy.
While hiccups are very normal, they do not count as movements when checking the baby’s activity in the uterus (womb) as they are not done on purpose.
Responding to any changes in your baby's movement helps your to keep them safe. If you have any concerns* about your baby’s movements contact the Call A Midwife Urgent Triage Line straight away for advice.
DO NOT wait for the next day
DO NOT try make your baby move.
GET CHECKED every time you feel concerned, even if previous checks have been normal.
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