The Basics: Baby Movement Information The following information has been agreed by numerous organisations including the NHS, Royal College of Midwives, Tommys and RCOG. This is the official advice that should be given to women about movements during their pregnancy. It's really helpful to familiarise yourself with the current advice, so you can advise people accurately. When should I start to feel movement? Most women and birthing people start 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 the 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. What shall I do if I notice reduced movement? Call your maternity unit and go to get checked straight away if: • you think your baby is moving less than normal • movements feel weaker than normal • movements have stopped Don’t wait. The maternity unit is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Even at night. If you are away from home, you can contact any maternity unit. It is important you 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. 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’s movements are reduced again? Contact your maternity unit straight away. Do this even if you have been seen before or were recently told your baby was well. Always get checked, no matter how many times this happens. Why are my baby’s movements important? Babies that are moving less might not be getting enough oxygen or nutrition. This is serious and it means that some babies might die. If your baby is moving less, your maternity unit needs to check if they are well. I am not sure about movements, but I just feel that something is wrong. 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. It is NOT true that babies move less towards 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. What will happen when I get checked in hospital? The care you can expect will depend on your stage of pregnancy 24 - 26 weeks Doctor or Midwife will Listen to your baby’s heartbeat Ask about your baby’s movements Check your blood pressure Check your urine Check the size of the bump 26 weeks onwards A midwife or Doctor will also monitor your baby’s heartrate and movements using a computerised CTG If your doctor or midwife has any concerns, they will talk to you about what should happen next. This may be: More CTG monitoring An Ultrasound Scan Talking about your plans for birth What will 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 for the next steps. If you are still concerned, you should tell your doctor or midwife. They will take you seriously. WHY YOU SHOULDN'T USE A HOME DOPPLER If you saw someone collapsed in the street would you check their pulse and walk away? Or would you call an ambulance? The same goes for your baby, if you notice a reduction in your baby’s regular pattern of movement, they could be unwell. Don't take the presence of a heartbeat that all is ok. If your baby is unwell or in distress, the only time something can be done is when there is a heartbeat. Holly's Words of Wisdom! Holly Willougby kindly made this video and it's a hit with mums! It's a great resource to watch and share. Anterior Placenta: What does it mean to have an anterior placenta? The placenta develops wherever the fertilised egg embeds into your uterus. Your sonographer will check the position of your placenta during your 20-week scan, to ensure its position won't affect your pregnancy. An anterior placenta simply means your placenta is attached to the front wall of your uterus, between the baby and your tummy. It's a completely normal place for it to implant and develop. It isn't connected to having a low-lying placenta (called placenta previa) and it shouldn't cause you problems. What difference does it make to my baby's movements? Most women first feel their baby move somewhere between 16 and 24 weeks of pregnancy. It's common for anterior placenta mums to feel first movements later than those with a placenta elsewhere, as their placenta cushions those early wriggles. Regardless of placenta position, if you reach the 24th week of pregnancy without feeling movement, let your midwife know. As your pregnancy progresses, it's important to get to know your baby's normal pattern of movement. If you have an anterior placenta try and focus on your sides and lower down, as this is where you're more likely to feel movement. Although feeling movement can be trickier for anterior placenta mums, your baby should still develop regularity to their movement. If you feel as though your baby's movements have slowed down or stopped, it's important not to assume your placenta is the reason. Call your midwife or maternity unit straight away if you have any concerns. HEAD TO: STANDARD RESPONSES TO COMMON QUESTIONS >> Manage Cookie Preferences