Keeping track of your baby's movements

Your baby's movements are one of the most important signs that they are well. Getting to know their movements and pattern makes it easier to notice when something changes. In this article you'll find what to look out for and when to get help without waiting.

When are the first movements felt?

First movements are usually felt between weeks 16 and 24 as a gentle flutter or swirl. In a first pregnancy they're usually noticed after week 20, and earlier in later pregnancies. Over time these feelings turn into clearer movements such as kicks, flutters, swishes or rolls. Whether your baby is head down or bottom first doesn't affect whether you can feel them move. If you're past week 20 and haven't felt any movement, tell your doctor.

Get to know your baby's pattern

Every baby has their own pattern of movement. Babies have sleep periods during the day and night; these usually last 20–40 minutes and rarely more than 90 minutes. Many babies are more active in the afternoon and evening. The number of movements increases until week 32 and then stays about the same. As your due date approaches, the type of movement may change, but your baby should keep moving right up to labor and during labor too.

You may notice movements less:

• When you're busy or on the move during the day
• If your placenta is on the front wall of your uterus
• If your baby's back is facing the front of your belly

None of these is a reason to wait when you feel movements have decreased. Smoking, alcohol and some strong painkillers or sedatives can also make your baby move less; tell your doctor about every medicine you take.

How to use the kick counter

The kick counter on the Tracking screen is a tool to help you get to know your baby's pattern. After week 28, 10 movements in 2 hours is considered normal. Choose a time when you're not distracted and your baby is usually active, lie down in a comfortable position, preferably on your left side, and record each kick, roll or flutter once. Counting at similar times for a few days makes it easier to see your baby's own pattern.

But the counter isn't a guarantee; what matters most is noticing a change in the usual pattern. Listening to the heartbeat at home with a Doppler device isn't reliable either: hearing a heartbeat doesn't mean your baby is well.

“You know your baby best; if you feel something has changed, stop counting and get checked right away.”

When should you go in without waiting?

If you notice your baby moving less or a change in their usual pattern of movements, go to labor and delivery right away, without doing a kick count or waiting to reach 10 movements. A baby who isn't well may move less than usual; the sooner a decrease is noticed, the sooner the right care can start. This includes when:

• Your baby is moving less than usual
• The pattern of movements has changed
• You can no longer feel your baby moving at all

Don't wait until the next day; go even if it's the middle of the night, and don't go to sleep ignoring a decrease in movements. At the hospital, your baby's heartbeat is usually monitored for a while (NST), and an ultrasound may be done if needed. These checks often show that all is well, but only a check can tell you that. If movements decrease again, go back every time, even if you were checked before.