Worried your baby is not moving the way they usually do?

It's such an amazing and reassuring feeling when you begin to notice those little flutters or kicks. And tuning into your baby's movements is one of the best ways to monitor their wellbeing during your pregnancy.

But there are so many myths and so much misinformation out there about baby movements and it can be really hard to know what is normal and what isn't. So let's set it all straight.

In this post I'm going to break down what fetal movements actually are, when you can expect to start feeling them, what a normal movement pattern looks like, the myths we really need to stop believing and exactly what to do if you are ever worried about your baby's movements.

This one is for anyone who is pregnant, at any stage of pregnancy, whether you are waiting to feel those very first flutters or you are in the final weeks. And it is just as much for your support person, so please share it with them too.

In This Post, You Will Learn

• When you will start feeling your baby move
• What a normal movement pattern actually looks like
• The five things not to do when you are monitoring your baby's movements
• What to do instead, every single day
• Exactly what to do and who to call, if something feels different

What Are Fetal Movements? Breaking Down the Basics

Fetal movements are your baby's movements inside your uterus - every flutter, kick, flip and roll that you feel.

Your baby's movements are the best indication of their wellbeing. That is why getting to know them and tuning into them every day, matters so much.

When will I start feeling my baby move?

Typically, you'll start feeling movements between 16 and 24 weeks.

In the beginning they might feel like gas bubbles popping or butterfly flutters. Over time, these sensations will become more obvious as "kicks".

What if my placenta is at the front?

Even if your placenta is at the front (anterior), you should still feel movements every day once they start. You might notice them a bit later than if your placenta was at the back (posterior), but that's not always the case. I had an anterior placenta with both of my pregnancies and with my first baby I felt movements at 25 weeks and with my second it was around 22 weeks. 

Your baby's movement pattern

From around 28 weeks, your baby will establish a movement pattern that is unique to them. You may notice movements at similar times each day. They might decide to have a dance party around dinner time, or at 3am every morning!

It's all about focusing on your baby, because their movements are unique to them.

How movements change later in pregnancy

As you progress in your pregnancy your baby's movements may feel different. They will never stop moving because they have "run out of room", but instead of big flips and kicks, it can change to more of a rolling and bumping feeling.

You should still feel your baby move every single day.

The Number That Does Not Exist

This is the part I really want you to take away from this post.

There is no magic number.

There is no set number of kicks that is universally reassuring, because every baby is different.

When we talk about kick counting, some research says 10 kicks in 2 hours, whereas others look at 6. This just further shows that there is no "right number".

And this is exactly why kick counting is the problem. It makes you focus on counting, when the thing that actually protects your baby has nothing to do with the number.

So the question isn't "have I felt ten?"

It's "does this feel normal for my baby today?"

What matters is your baby's normal. Every baby has a pattern that is unique to them - a time of day they're busiest, a party time and sleep patterns. It's all about getting to know your baby and learning what is normal for them. You're the one who knows this pattern, because you know your baby best.

What NOT to Do When You Are Monitoring Your Baby's Movements

There are so many myths about baby movements and some of them can delay you getting help when you need it. So let's set a few of them straight.

❌ DO NOT use a kick counter or kick chart

There's no set number of kicks that is universally reassuring, because every baby is different.

Instead, tune into your baby and learn what is normal for them. Each day, spend some time focusing on your baby and check whether their movement pattern is usual for them.

❌ DO NOT try cold water, a snack or juice to "wake your baby up"

If you are worried your baby is moving less than normal, do not reach for a remedy to try and get them moving.

There is no evidence to support this and it can delay you seeking help.

❌ DO NOT assume your baby is slowing down

You might hear that babies slow down because they've "run out of room", or because "labour must be starting soon". These are myths.

You should feel movements every single day, even when you go into labour.

As your baby grows, their movements might feel different, like rolling movements instead of big kicks, but you should always feel them move.

❌ DO NOT wait until your next appointment

If you are worried about your baby's movements, don't hold onto that worry until your next scheduled appointment.

If you are worried, seek in-person advice as soon as possible.

❌ DO NOT worry about wasting anyone's time

Even if you've been to hospital before for decreased movements and everything was okay, midwives and doctors want you to come in if you're concerned.

Your healthcare provider wants it to be a false alarm - that's the best-case outcome. So never feel like you're wasting time by making sure you and your baby are okay. We want you to feel reassured.

I have never once been upset at a woman for coming in because she was worried about herself or her baby. Always trust your gut!

Should I Use a Home Doppler?

This one isn't a myth as such, but it is something I want to talk about, because it can be so tempting to reach for a home doppler when you are worried.

Please don't reach for a home doppler to reassure yourself. If you want to buy and use one to listen in every now and then for fun then go for it! You do you. 

BUT never reach for a doppler to reassure yourself if you are worried about your baby. 

There are so many different sounds you can hear (e.g. baby’s heart rate, your heart rate, the placenta), and if you aren't properly trained, just finding a heartbeat doesn't always confirm your baby is okay.

If you are worried about your baby's movements, the next step is to call your care provider and get an in-person review.

So, What Should You Do?

Now that we have covered what not to do, here is what to do instead.

✅ Get familiar with your baby's usual movement pattern

Notice the times of day your baby tends to move, the kind of movements you feel, their busy stretches and their quiet ones. This is their normal and it is unique to them.

✅ Take time every single day to tune in

Each day, take some time to focus on your baby and check whether their movements are normal for them.

✅ Call your healthcare provider if something is different

If you are worried that your baby's movement pattern is different from normal, call your healthcare provider and get an in-person review as soon as possible.

That means any reduction or decrease in movements, as well as a dramatic increase.

What actually happens when you call and go in?

When you phone, your healthcare provider will ask you some questions to do a brief assessment of what is going on. If you are concerned about your baby's movements, they will ask you to come in for an assessment.

This could be at the hospital maternity assessment unit or at your obstetrician's office, and on that phone call they will clearly explain exactly where they want you to go.

Once you arrive, you will be taken into a room for your assessment and your healthcare team will listen to your baby's heart rate. Depending on how many weeks pregnant you are, this is often done with a CTG, where they listen to your baby's heart rate continuously for a minimum of 10 minutes. Your provider will then interpret this heart rate trace to determine the wellbeing of your baby.

They will also check in with you by asking questions and doing your observations (e.g. blood pressure and heart rate).

Depending on how many times you have presented to hospital previously for decreased movements, and how your baby's heart rate tracing is looking, you might also be recommended to have a blood test and a formal ultrasound to check on your baby.

It is important to know that the assessments done during this time tell us about your baby's wellbeing at that very moment. Once you are discharged home, it is important that you continue to monitor your baby's movements and if you are concerned again at any point, you call and go in again.

Never stop yourself from calling because you think "well, I went in last time and everything was fine, so I'll just wait, I don't want to waste anyone's time". This is something we take really seriously, so if you are concerned, always call - whether it's your first time or your 5th.

Why This Matters

Recognising what's normal for your baby and feeling confident to seek help if you're worried, is so important. That is what this whole post comes back to.

Knowledge is power.

You know your baby best. You are the best advocate for your baby and you are in the driver's seat of your care.

Know your baby's normal. Call if something changes.

Where to Go Next

Want to learn more about why movements matter?

Check out the Centre of Research and Excellence in Stillbirth website

And if you are ready for the next step in your birth education, and you want to feel calm, confident and prepared for birth, check out Empowered Birth.

Share This With a Friend

If any of your friends are pregnant, make sure you share this with them! Let's squash all those fetal movement myths! 💕

I'm here for you,

Tam xx