Baby's Movements

​Most pregnant people begin to feel their baby move between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy. If you have had a
previous delivery, you may begin to feel the baby move closer to 18 weeks. The movements typically begin as light
fluttering and increase in strength and frequency as the baby grows. During this time, try not to be alarmed if you
find that you go several days without feeling movement. Babies are small at this stage and can still find positions
that dampen movement (for example, kicking into your back where you won’t feel it).
 
Once you have reached 28 weeks of pregnancy, you should be able to feel your baby move every day. However, you
will notice throughout the day that your baby will have very active times, as well as quieter times, when they are
sleeping. Quiet times often coincide with when we are the busiest and moving throughout the day.
 
Around 36­ -- 38 weeks, you may begin to feel a change in your baby’s movements and m repayort that the baby no
longer does hard, distinct kicks as often. This is normal and occurs due to the increased brain development of the
baby. Your baby’s brain has developed enough that they have more control over their body and can begin to do smaller
​more controlled movements. However, the number of movements should not change!

 
What Do I Do if My Baby Isn’t Moving Enough?
If you feel like you have not felt your baby move all day, or the baby is not moving at a time when the baby is usually
very active, the following will help you listen to your baby and guide you as to when to call your midwife:
 
● Relax. If possible, choose a time when the baby is usually active and have something sweet and cold to
drink such as juice.
 
● Get comfortable. Place your hands on your abdomen and concentrate on the baby’s movements.
 
● You should feel 6 movements within a 2 hour period. Remember the baby's rolling or body movements count just
as much as a kick! You can stop counting once you’ve reached 6 movements. If your baby has not moved at least 6
times over the 2 hours, please page your midwife for further advice.
 
● Sometimes, if there are specific concerns in the pregnancy, your midwife will ask you to do a “kick count” everyday.
Kick counts are done the same way as described above. The chart below can help you to keep track.