Your Baby's Movements in Pregnancy: What Is Normal and When to Call
When you will first feel your baby move, why a change in pattern matters, and what to do if movements slow down.
Before you use this guide: This is general educational information, not an individual medical assessment. We do not identify a clinician reviewer on this page, so please confirm personal health decisions with your doctor, midwife or paediatrician.
Feeling your baby move is one of the joys of pregnancy. It is also one of the best everyday signs that your baby is well.
When will I feel movements?
Most women first feel movement between about 16 and 24 weeks. First-time mothers may notice it a little later, and a placenta at the front of the womb can soften the sensation. At first it can feel like flutters, bubbles or gentle swishes. As your baby grows, these become stronger kicks, rolls and stretches.
What is normal?
- There is no set number of movements you should feel. Every baby has their own pattern.
- From about 28 weeks, get to know your baby's usual pattern and pay attention to it.
- Babies sleep in periods that usually last 20 to 40 minutes and rarely longer than about 90 minutes, so quiet spells are normal.
- Movements should not slow down or stop in late pregnancy. They continue right up to and during labour.
If you notice a change
Contact your maternity unit, midwife or doctor straight away if your baby's movements have reduced, stopped or changed in pattern, for example much weaker or unusually frantic, or if you are unsure. Do not wait until the next day, and do not wait to see whether movements return.
- Do not use home heartbeat monitors, Doppler devices or phone apps to check on your baby. They can give false reassurance.
- If your care team has asked you to count movements, follow the method they gave you.
- If you are told everything is fine but you are still worried, it is perfectly fine to call again.
What happens when you call
You will usually be asked to come in. A midwife will listen to your baby's heartbeat, may monitor it for a while, and may arrange an ultrasound scan. Most of the time everything is well, and the check offers reassurance. You are never wasting anyone's time.
Trusted resources to read next
These public health resources provide additional information. Guidance can vary by country, so prioritise advice from your own care team and local health service.
- NHS: Pregnancy — Pregnancy care, common symptoms, screening and complications.
- NHS: Week-by-week pregnancy guide — Pregnancy development and care by week.
This content is for general information only and is not medical advice. Every pregnancy and every baby is different. Always talk to your doctor, midwife or paediatrician about your own situation, and seek urgent care if you are worried.