Your Baby’s Movements In Pregnancy

  • Most women are first aware of their baby moving when they are 18–24 weeks pregnant.
  • However, if this is your first pregnancy, you may not become aware of movements until you are more than 20 weeks pregnant.
  • If you have been pregnant before, you may feel movements as early as 16 - 18 weeks.
  • Pregnant women feel their baby’s movements as a kick, flutter, swish, or roll.
  • As your baby grows, both the number and type of movements will change with your baby’s activity pattern. Usually, afternoon and evening periods are times of peak activity for your baby.
  • During both day and night, your baby has sleep periods that mostly last between 20 and 60 minutes.
  • Your baby will usually not move during these sleep periods.
  • The number of movements tends to increase until 32 weeks of pregnancy and then stay about the same, although the type of movement may change as you get nearer to your due date.
  • Often, if you are busy, you may not notice all of these movements.
  • Importantly, you should continue to feel your baby move right up to the time you go into labor.
  • Your baby should move during labor too.
Movements of baby

Movements of baby

  • There is no specific number of movements that is considered normal.
  • During your pregnancy, you need to be aware of your baby’s individual pattern of movements.
  • A reduction or a change in your baby’s movements is what is important.

  • You are less likely to be aware of your baby’s movements when you are active or busy.
  • If your placenta (afterbirth) is at the front of your uterus (womb), it may not be so easy for you to feel your baby’s movements.
  • Your baby lying feet down or bottom first will not affect whether you can feel it move.
  • If your baby’s back is lying at the front of your uterus, you may feel fewer movements than if his or her back is lying alongside your own back.

  • There is not enough evidence to recommend the routine use of a movement chart.
  • It is more important for you to be aware of your baby’s individual pattern of movements throughout your pregnancy and you should seek immediate help if you feel that the movements are reduced or changed.
  • Use of chart (DFMC – Daily Fetal Movement Chart) is recommended in specific conditions like GDM, PIH, Oligo-Hydramnios, IUGR baby, etc. Your doctor will guide you on the same.

A) For less than 28 weeks of pregnancy

  • Most women first become aware of their baby moving when they are 18–20 weeks pregnant.
  • If by 28 weeks you have never felt your baby move, you should contact your doctor who will check your baby’s heartbeat.
  • An ultrasound scan may be arranged to check your baby’s well-being.

B) For over 28 weeks of pregnancy

  • Concentrate on fetal movements for 4–6 hrs. (Sometimes if you are busy you might miss the fetal movement).
  • Have some high glucose containing food (like chocolate, ice cream, glucose powder) and wait.
  • If the above measures fail you should contact your doctor, who will check your baby’s fetal heart.
  • This should give you reassurance about your baby’s well-being.
  • You will usually be able to go home once you are reassured.
  • An ultrasound scan, to check on the growth of your baby as well as the amount of amniotic fluid around your baby, may be arranged. This scan is possible at our Saavi Women's Hospital.
  • Most women who experience one episode of reduction in their baby’s movements have a straightforward pregnancy and go on to have a healthy baby.
  • If there are any concerns for your baby, your doctor will discuss this with you.
  • Follow-up scans may be arranged.
  • In some circumstances, you may be advised that it would be safer for your baby to be born as soon as possible.
  • This would depend on your individual situation and how far along you are in your pregnancy.
Pregnancy Situations

Pregnancy Situations

  • During your pregnancy, feeling your baby move gives you reassurance of his or her well-being.
  • If you notice your baby is moving less than usual or if you have noticed a change in the pattern of movements, it may sometimes be a sign that your baby is unwell and therefore it is essential that you contact your doctor immediately.

  • 1st kick/fetal movement is a lifetime’s experience.
  • During pregnancy, movement of your baby is a reassurance of the well-being of your baby.
  • No fetal movement for a long time after 28 weeks of pregnancy should alarm you and contact your doctor.
  • Most women who experience a reduction in the baby’s movement have a straightforward pregnancy and go on to have a healthy baby.

  • This information aims to help you make the best decision regarding your care. It is not meant to replace advice from a doctor about your own situation.