Feeling your baby move is one of the most reassuring parts of pregnancy.
Over time, those movements become familiar—your baby’s own pattern of kicks, rolls, stretches and quieter periods. If that pattern changes, even subtly, you are often the first person to notice.
Most episodes of reduced fetal movements are followed by a reassuring assessment. However, a change in your baby’s movements can sometimes be an early sign that they need closer attention. It should always be taken seriously.
If your baby is moving less than usual, the movements feel weaker, or their usual pattern has changed, contact your midwife or maternity unit immediately. Do not wait until the next day—even if it is the middle of the night.
What is normal for your baby?
Most women first feel their baby move between 20 and 24 weeks of pregnancy. In a first pregnancy, this may not happen until after 20 weeks.
There is no single number of movements that is normal for every baby, and routine “kick counting” is not usually necessary. What matters is becoming familiar with your own baby’s usual pattern.
Movements may feel like:
Gentle fluttering or swirling
Kicks or taps
Rolling or stretching
Sudden, sharper movements
The number and type of movements will naturally change as your baby grows. Movements usually increase until around 32 weeks and then remain broadly consistent.
Towards the end of pregnancy, the movements may feel different because your baby has less room to move—but they should not become less frequent. You should continue to feel your baby move right up to and during labour.
The important question is not, “Have I felt a certain number of movements?” It is:
“Is this normal for my baby?”
Why do fetal movements matter?
Your baby’s movements provide valuable information about their wellbeing.
If a baby is unwell, they may become less active than usual. In some cases, reduced movements may be associated with the placenta not working as effectively as it should, which can affect the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the baby.
This does not mean that reduced movements always indicate a serious problem. Most women who attend with one episode of reduced movements have a reassuring assessment and continue to have a healthy pregnancy.
Nevertheless, reduced or changed movements should never be ignored. Prompt assessment allows any concerns to be identified early and the right care to be provided.
What should you do if movements change?
Contact your midwife or maternity unit immediately if:
- Your baby is moving less than usual
- The movements feel weaker than usual
- Your baby’s usual pattern has changed
- You cannot feel your baby moving
Do not wait until your next appointment. Do not go to sleep hoping that the movements will return by morning, and do not spend several hours repeatedly trying to make your baby move.
You do not need to drink something cold or sugary before asking for help.
You should also not rely on a home Doppler, heartbeat monitor or phone application. Hearing a heartbeat does not confirm that your baby is well and can provide false reassurance.
You are not wasting anyone’s time by calling. If the movements do not feel right to you, that is reason enough to be assessed.
What happens when you are assessed?
The assessment offered will depend on how many weeks pregnant you are and your individual circumstances.
You will usually be asked about the change you have noticed and about your baby’s usual movement pattern. Your maternity team may also check your blood pressure, urine and the size of your uterus.
After 28 weeks, your baby’s heart rate will usually be monitored using a cardiotocograph, commonly called a CTG. This normally continues for at least 20 minutes and provides information about your baby’s heart-rate pattern and wellbeing at that time.
An ultrasound scan may also be arranged, particularly if:
- Your baby is measuring smaller than expected
- There are additional risk factors in your pregnancy
- You continue to perceive reduced movements despite a reassuring CTG
- You have experienced repeated episodes of reduced movements
The scan may assess your baby’s growth, the amount of amniotic fluid and, where appropriate, blood flow through the placenta and umbilical cord.
Most assessments are reassuring. If there are any concerns, however, your obstetric team will discuss whether you need further monitoring, additional scans or—depending on your stage of pregnancy—whether earlier birth may be safer.
What if it happens again?
Some women experience more than one episode of reduced fetal movements.
A previous reassuring assessment should not stop you from returning. Every new episode should be taken seriously and assessed on its own merits.
Repeated changes may lead to a more detailed obstetric review and further ultrasound assessment of your baby’s growth and placental function.
No matter how many times you have already attended, you should contact your maternity unit again if your baby’s movements reduce or change.
Trust what you notice
You know your baby’s pattern better than anyone else.
In most cases, an assessment will confirm that everything is well. But when something is not quite right, recognising the change and seeking help promptly can make a real difference.
If your baby’s movements feel reduced, weaker or simply different:
Trust your instinct. Contact your maternity unit immediately and ask to be assessed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many movements should I feel each day?
There is no fixed number that every baby should reach. The important thing is to become familiar with your baby’s normal pattern and seek help if that pattern changes.
Is it normal for movements to reduce near the end of pregnancy?
No. The type of movement may change as your baby grows, but movements should not become less frequent. You should continue to feel your baby move right up to and during labour.
Should I wait for two hours and count the movements?
If you already feel that your baby’s movements are reduced, weaker or different, contact your maternity unit immediately. Do not delay assessment by repeatedly monitoring at home.
Can I use a home Doppler for reassurance?
No. A home Doppler cannot reliably assess your baby’s wellbeing. Even if you hear a heartbeat, this does not mean that your baby is well.
What if my placenta is at the front?
An anterior placenta can make some movements more difficult to feel, particularly earlier in pregnancy. However, once you know your baby’s usual pattern, you should still seek immediate advice if that pattern changes. Do not assume the placenta is the explanation.
If my assessment is normal, can I return if it happens again?
Yes. You should always contact your maternity unit again if the movements reduce or change, regardless of how many times you have already been assessed.
What if I have not felt any movements by 24 weeks?
Contact your midwife or maternity unit. They will assess you, check your baby’s heartbeat and decide whether any further investigation is required.
Clinical advice is consistent with current NHS guidance and RCOG patient information.
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