Your baby's movements

Getting to know your baby's movements

Most women first feel movements between 16 and 24 weeks, often a little earlier in a second or later pregnancy. By around 24 to 28 weeks you will start to notice a pattern that is normal for your baby.

• There is no set number of movements you should feel. Every baby is different, so what matters is your baby's own usual pattern
• A movement can be a kick, flutter, roll, swish or jab
• Babies have sleep cycles of about 20 to 40 minutes when they do not move
• Importantly, babies do not move less towards the end of pregnancy or in labour. The idea that they "run out of room" and slow down is a myth

If their movements change

If you think your baby is moving less, their movements feel weaker, or the pattern has changed or stopped, contact the maternity unit straight away. Trust your instinct, you know your baby best.

• Do not wait until the next day, or until your next appointment
• Do not rely on home dopplers, apps or having a cold drink to get baby moving, these can falsely reassure you
• If you are checked and reassured but it happens again, call again, every single time. Repeated episodes still need checking, and you will never be a nuisance

Call any time

The maternity unit is staffed by midwives 24 hours a day. If you are worried about your baby's movements, phone them now on 02 6330 5210. Getting checked early is always the right thing to do.