What is it?
Fetal movements is a term that refers to the baby’s movements in the womb during pregnancy. Your baby’s movements are one of the signs they are well.
Most pregnant women start to feel fetal movements from between 16 to 24 weeks. A baby’s movements can be described as a flutter, kick, swish or roll. Regular movements are a good sign your baby is healthy and well.
If your baby is unwell, their movements may slow or stop. A decrease in fetal movements can occur with other symptoms, like bleeding and pain. This may also occur if you have high blood pressure or if the baby is small for its gestation.
Your baby’s movements should not slow down or become weaker towards the end of your pregnancy. If you are worried about a change in your baby’s movements, or if you haven’t felt your baby move as much as usual, contact your GP or antenatal clinic as soon as you can. Your GP will check your baby’s health.
Being aware of your baby’s movements during pregnancy will help keep your baby safe and healthy.
What will my healthcare team do?
Your healthcare team will assess your baby’s wellbeing and provide appropriate care. They will talk to you about fetal movements and what to look out for in future.
