WHEN SHOULD I START TO FEEL MOVEMENT?
All pregnancies are unique and when women feel movement for the first time varies.
Most women usually start to feel their baby move between 16 and 24 weeks of pregnancy. You may feel your baby move as early as 16 weeks of pregnancy, especially if you’ve been pregnant before. If this is your first pregnancy, you may not notice your baby’s movements until you are more than 20 weeks pregnant.
WHAT DOES BABY MOVEMENT FEEL LIKE?
A baby’s movements can be anything from a kick, flutter, punch, swish or roll. The type of movement may change as your pregnancy progresses. Baby movement is often referred to as ”baby kicks“.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD MY BABY MOVE?
All babies are different! There is no set number of normal movements. From 16 – 24 weeks on you should feel your baby move more and more until 32 weeks. After 32 weeks, movements should stay roughly the same until you give birth.
It’s important to get to know your baby’s regular pattern of movement, what is usual for you in one hour or over 24 hours.
WHY ARE MY BABY’S MOVEMENTS IMPORTANT?
Your baby’s movements are a sign of their wellbeing, a normal sign of a well oxygenated baby moving in their amniotic fluid. A reduction or change in your baby’s movements can sometimes be a warning sign that they’re unwell.
It’s important to understand your normal movement pattern, and report this to your midwife or doctor if you feel concerned about your baby’s movement pattern change.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I NOTICE REDUCED MOVEMENT?
If you think your baby’s movements have slowed down or stopped, contact your maternity unit immediately. Midwives and doctors are there to help you - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Don’t put off calling until the next day or wait until your next scheduled appointment.
Don’t worry about phoning; it’s important for your doctors and midwives to know if your baby’s movements have slowed down or stopped. They’ll be happy to hear from you.
WHAT IF MY BABY’S MOVEMENTS DECREASE 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. You’re always doing the right thing.
Myths:
It’s NOT true that babies move less towards the end of pregnancy, however as baby’s grow they are unable to execute full extension of their limbs. Therefore movements can feel ”different“, but not necessarily reduced.
You should continue to feel your baby move right up to the time you go into labour and whilst you are in labour too.
IF MY BABY’S MOVEMENTS CHANGE DOES IT MEAN MY BABY IS DEFINITELY UNWELL?
Not at all. Checks by medical professionals usually find that everything is OK. Most women who report one or less episodes of reduced movement go on to have a healthy baby and straightforward pregnancy.
However, it’s important to be checked to make sure the change isn’t because your baby is one of the few that are unwell. Reporting concerns about your baby’s movements could save their life.
SHOULD I PROMPT MY BABY TO MOVE?
You should not delay in getting medical advice if you have not felt your baby move, but if you find you have not eaten or feel dehydrated, you can try to
eat a healthy snack and drink something sweet and cold. If after 30 minutes you still have had no movement or haven’t noticed an increase in kicks, you must come to the Maternity Unit for further assessment.
WHERE DO I GO?
If you require assessment and you are under 24 weeks pregnant please come to the Emergency Department. If you are 24 weeks or above pregnant and have a pregnancy related complaint please visit our Maternity Unit located on the 5th floor.
Maternity unit phone number:
04 435 9767/9769