12/07/2025
Feeling your baby move is a sign that they are well. Report any change in your baby's regular pattern of movement to your midwife or maternity unit immediately. This includes strength of movement as well as frequency.
There is no set number of normal movements you need to feel. Get to know what's normal for your baby and report any change
If you think your baby’s movements have slowed down, stopped or changed in any way call your maternity unit or midwife immediately. The maternity unit is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Even at night, weekends and holidays. Don't put off calling until the next day or wait until your next scheduled appointment.
What if my baby’s movements are reduced again? You should contact your maternity unit again, however many times it happens. Even if everything was normal last time, don't hesitate to contact your midwife or maternity unit for advice.
A reduction or change in a baby’s movements can be an important warning sign that a baby is unwell. Around half of women who had a stillbirth noticed their baby’s movements had slowed down or stopped.
It's NOT true that babies move less towards the end of pregnancy. You should continue to feel your baby move right up to the time you go into labour and whilst you are in labour too.
Should I prompt my baby to move? No. As it can cause a delay in getting medical advice, do not use ice, fizzy drinks etc to make your baby move.
If, after your check up, you are still not happy with your baby’s movements, you must contact either your maternity unit or midwife straight away, even if everything was normal last time. NEVER HESITATE to contact your maternity unit or midwife for advice, no matter how many times this happens.
Do not use hand-held monitors, Dopplers or phone apps to check your baby’s health. Even if you hear a heartbeat, this does not mean your baby is well.
