An active baby is a healthy baby. Knowing your baby’s movements is one of the ways mothers can help to keep their babies safe during pregnancy.
Women first feel their babies move between 16 to 24 weeks of pregnancy. Get to know the pattern, type and strength of movement that is unique to your baby. This way, you will be able to tell that they are well. Movement can feel like a kick, a swish or a roll. There is no set number of movements that a baby should do per hour, so counting kicks is not encouraged.
About half of women who had a stillbirth noticed their baby’s movements had slowed down or stopped in the days before their baby died.
Red Nose recommends understanding your baby’s natural pattern of movement and if you suspect any change, contact your midwife, obstetrician or hospital immediately and tell them that you are worried about your baby’s movements. Never wait until later.
Healthy babies move regularly, right up to and during labour and a change in movements could be a sign that your baby may be unwell.
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