Being aware of your baby’s movements throughout pregnancy is one of the simplest ways to monitor our baby’s health and wellbeing.
***Key Points***
- Regular and healthy movements are a good indication of your baby’s wellbeing.
- 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 at any point you are concerned about your baby’s movements, or if you notice a change in your baby’s movements contact your doctor or midwife immediately.
***Key Points***
***Movements Matter***
You will start to feel your baby move between weeks 16 and 24 of pregnancy.
This should happen regardless of where your placenta lies.
You should feel your baby’s movements right up until they are born,
There is no set number of normal movements. You should get to know your baby’s movements and what is normal for them.
A baby’s movements can be described as anything from a flutter or kick, to swish and roll. These are signs that your little one is well!
When babies become unwell, they may slow down their movements in order conserve energy- this could be an early indication of something being wrong with them so contact your care provider immediately if you have any concerns about changes in activity levels.
It’s important that this information be shared with partners, family and friends so that they too can understand the importance of your babies’ movements.
***Movements Matter***
***Common myths***
It is 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.
If you are concerned about your baby’s movements, having something to eat or drink to stimulate your baby does not work. This is outdated advice. You should always phone your care provider.
***Common myths***
***Monitoring your baby movements***
Sit or lie down in a quiet place, try to relax, and focus on feeling your baby’s movements
Get to know your baby’s movements. The easiest way to learn your baby’s normal pattern of movement is to choose a time when baby is usually active and be mindful of their movements at this time.
If you are still concerned about your baby’s movements after doing this, contact your doctor of midwife that very day or night.
***Monitoring your baby movements***
***If I am concerned***
If at any point you are concerned about your baby’s movements, please contact your doctor or midwife. It is very common for pregnant women to have concerns about their baby at some point in their pregnancy. It is part of the natural role of a mother or mother-to-be to do things to look after your baby and your midwife or doctor is there to help you, no matter what time of night or day.
Please don’t feel silly about contacting your doctor or midwife if you ahve concerns. Remember that no one knows your baby better than you do. It’s your body and your baby, so trust your instincts.
***If I am concerned***
***What will happen in hospital?***
If you have contacted your doctor or midwife and your doctor or midwife suggests that you come in to hospital, there are a few things that you can expect to happen.
First, your doctor or midwife will likely ask you questions about any known risk factors or issues you might have had during pregnancy.
Then he or she may do a CTG (cardiotocograph)This will involve placing an elastic belt around your belly to measure your baby’s heart rate. Your doctor or midwife will also feel your belly to see where your baby is positioned and to check his or her growth.
After this, your doctor or midwife might do an ultrasound of your baby. Ultrasound scans can also be used to measure your baby’s heart rate and blood flow, and to check on growth.
***What will happen in hospital?***
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