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Your baby’s movements during pregnancy

  • From 16-24 weeks on you should feel the baby move more and more.
  • From 32 weeks your baby’s movements will stay about the same until you give birth.
  • Every baby has their own pattern of movements.
  • Some are more active in the morning, some of an evening and some move all day.
  • If you notice a change in your baby’s pattern – either reduced or excessive movements – please contact your Maternity Day Care Unit / Triage immediately.Do not wait for your next appointment, induction or caesarean date.

Visit www.tommys.org/pregnancy for more


Frequently asked questions


This is very old advice and is not true! Every baby will have a different pattern of movements, If your baby’s pattern has altered then we need to hear from you immediately.

This is extremely unsafe. We do not recommend the personal use of them. You may be listening to your own heartbeat and thinking it is your baby’s. It takes midwives and doctors years to become experts in their use. If you have concerns with fetal movements please contact us immediately.

This is not true! Again with pattern recognition (some babies are more active in the evening, some in the morning… some all day!) Any concerns please contact us immediately.

Not true, your baby will develop a pattern and keeps it until delivery – any concerns please contact us immediately.

This is not true. Your baby should move the same throughout pregnancy and labour. Any ALTERED fetal movements we want to hear about immediately.

This is not true. Please do not delay calling us, we want to hear from you as soon as you have concerns.

Do not delay with reporting any concerns you have with your fetal movements. Do not wait for your Midwife/ Consultant appointment or your Induction of labour or caesarean section date. Contact us immediately.