Feeling your baby move

You can view the above infographic larger and in more detail online here (text in full below): https://www.tommys.org/sites/default/files/2020-12/Feeling%20your%20baby%20move%20ENGLISH.pdf

Feeling your baby move is a sign that they are well.

You usually begin to feel your baby move between 16 and 24 weeks of pregnancy. A baby’s movements can be described as anything from a kick, flutter, swish or roll. The type of movement may change as your pregnancy progresses.

How often should my baby move?

There is no set number of normal movements. From 16 to 24 weeks on you should feel your baby move more and more up until 32 weeks, then roughly stay the same until you give birth.

DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE NEXT DAY TO SEEK ADVICE IF YOU'RE WORRIED ABOUT YOUR BABY’S MOVEMENTS - please contact us 01244 265028 or 265016 if you are concerned about your baby’s movements

It is not true that babies move less towards the end of pregnancy or in labour.

You should continue to feel your baby move right up to the time you go into labour and whilst you are in labour too.

Why are my baby’s movements important?

A reduction in a baby's movements can be an important warning sign that a baby is unwell. Around half of parents who had a stillbirth noticed their baby’s movements had showed slowed down or stopped.

If you think your baby’s movements have slowed down or stopped please ring central labour suite it immediately on 01244 365026 or 365028. Midwives are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There is always a midwife available even at night. Do not put off getting in touch with your maternity unit. Do not worry about phoning, it is important to talk to your maternity unit for advice even if you are uncertain. It is very likely that they will want to see you straight away.

What if my baby's movements become reduced again?

If after your check-up you are 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 THE MATERNITY UNIT FOR ADVICE NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES THIS HAPPENS

There are midwives on duty in the maternity unit 24 hours a day.

DO NOT use handheld monitors, dopplers or phone apps to check your baby’s heartbeat. Even if you detect a heartbeat this does not mean your baby as well.

Trust your instincts. If you are worried about the health of you or your baby, please call us on

Central Labour Suite 01244 363016 or 01244 365028 (open 24 hours a day)