Your baby's movements in pregnancy

Feeling your baby move for the first time is thrilling and something you are unlikely to forget. These first kicks may feel more like a flutter, swish or roll than an actual kick. As your baby grows the movements will become more pronounced and are a reassuring reminder that your baby is behaving normally. 

Your baby's first movements

Although your baby actually begins to move at around seven weeks, if this is your first baby you are unlikely to feel anything until between 18 and 24 weeks of your pregnancy.

If you’ve had a baby before you will probably become aware of his movements earlier, anytime from 16 weeks onwards - see Emma’s Diary pregnancy week by week guide. 

Some women describe these first movements as feeling a bit like wind in your tummy. They can be subtle and gentle. As the weeks progress, these kicks become stronger and more obvious.

The next stage

From those very first movements, you will feel the baby moving more and more up until 32 weeks. From this point onwards the movements will stay mostly the same. You should continue to feel your baby move right up until and including when you are in labour. It is NOT true that baby’s run out of space towards the end of the pregnancy, and that they move less.

Your baby’s movements pattern

As your baby develops you will begin to learn about his activity pattern. This means you will be able to notice when he is awake and active and when he is asleep. Babies usually sleep and are therefore inactive for periods that last between 20 and 40 minutes and rarely longer than 90 minutes.

You may find that there are particular periods each day when he is a lot more active than others. All these factors make up what is known as your baby’s activity pattern.

How often should my baby move?

There is no set number of times your baby should move. It is no longer advised to count the number of kicks, but instead to get to know the overall pattern of your baby’s movements.

Some baby’s are very active, and others less so. The important thing is to know what is normal for your baby. Don’t compare your baby to anyone else’s.

If you notice that the overall pattern of your baby’s movements has changed, then seek help immediately from your maternity unit.

Why your baby's movement patterns are important

Counting your baby’s kicks alone won’t necessarily indicate whether there is a problem or not, which is why it is so important to be aware of all your baby’s activity. If your baby moves less than usual, or there is a change in the pattern of his movements, it could be the first sign that he is unwell.

If this happens, it is essential to contact your midwife or local maternity unit immediately that day so that you can get your baby checked to make sure that there isn’t a problem. Never worry about asking your health professionals for advice about your pregnancy health and the wellbeing of your baby.

Monitoring your baby’s movements

If you notice any change, or if you just feel there is something wrong, it is really important to seek professional help immediately. Don’t ever go to sleep ignoring a reduction in movement, and don’t use personal hand held monitors (Doppler machines) or phone apps to check your baby’s heart beat or movements. These are not reliable and could lead to your thinking that everything is fine when it isn’t.

If your baby is moving less

Babies’ movements don’t slow down or reduce towards the end of pregnancy, this is a myth. Therefore if you are aware of a change in your baby’s movements you must  contact your midwife or local maternity unit that day.

Don’t be tempted to try and encourage the baby to move, as this is not their usual pattern. Instead, contact your midwife straight away.