A slowing down or absence of your baby’s movements is a potential red flag in the late second and third trimesters. Still, given that these movements change from the time they became noticeable (from Week 17-20), how do you know what’s normal?

How does my baby move in the third trimester?

Your baby has increasingly less room in the uterus during the final weeks of pregnancy. Some women describe the movements they feel as more sweeping, others as definite jabs and kicks compared with the more fluttery sensations of the second trimester. They should form a pattern with which you become familiar. You might hear about some women doing ‘kick counts’ to report to their doctor. The NHS advises against this because every baby is different and no specific number of kicks is normal. Keeping track of your baby's own daily patterns is more important. Although a baby’s movements tend to plateau around 32 weeks, there should be no reduction in their frequency in the late third trimester, so be mindful of them right up until you go into labour.

Why is tracking my baby’s movements important?

A change in the pattern of your baby’s movements can be an indication something is wrong. It’s best to inform your maternity unit right away if you’re worried about reduced or increased movements. Do not wait until the following day; you will never be dismissed or berated for reporting your concerns.

How can I track my baby’s movements?

If you have not felt your baby move at all by 24 weeks of pregnancy, tell your doctor or midwife, as they will want to have you in for some checks.

Can my baby move too much?

A baby being very active is not always a sign of a problem. However, if this is a sudden change from their daily pattern, it’s still worth checking in with your doctor or midwife.

What if I’m just not noticing my baby’s movements?

Simply living an active and busy life can make you pay less attention to what’s happening with your bump. Some physical things can also make movements less noticeable. If your placenta is at the front of your uterus, for example, it may not be so easy for you to feel your baby’s movements. And if your baby’s back is lying at the front of your uterus, you may feel fewer movements than if his or her back is lying alongside your own back. However, no matter what your physical state or how busy your day is, if you feel you haven’t noticed your baby moving or that the movements are few and far between, you should contact the maternity unit. As obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr. Shree Datta said when she appeared on Unii’s Pregnancy podcast, “If you're worried, just give us a call. Any pregnant patient is given a booklet of their own information, as well as hours within the hospital and a list of numbers. Those numbers are available to dial 24 hours a day, seven days a week. So really, if there is a problem, then you are able to tap in, and it's not about annoying or bothering anyone; it's about getting the support and reassurance that you need.”

Will my baby lying head down (OA) or breech affect how they move?

You will feel the movements in different places if your baby is occiput anterior (OA) or breech, but still be able to notice a pattern. Head-down babies will kick more strongly on one side and towards the top of the bump. Later on, some babies with their head at the bottom like to stretch their legs every so often, and this can feel like something is sticking out on both sides of your bump—one side will be the bottom, the other side will be the feet. You usually feel a breech baby’s kicks lower in your abdomen.

What will happen if I call the maternity unit and report that my baby’s movements have changed?

This will always be taken seriously. You will usually be given a same-day appointment or, if you call out of hours, be asked to come to the labour ward at the nearest hospital and get checked out. Once there, you shouldn’t be discharged until everyone is happy that you and your baby are doing well. Up to 40% of women will report having reduced foetal movements at some point in their pregnancy, and of these women, 70% will have no further concerns or complications.

What if I notice another change in or absence of movement after I’ve been sent home?

Call them back! And this really goes for any worries you may have about your health or that of your baby, especially in the third trimester. Calling just to be safe is not only fine but recommended.

Should I buy a Doppler kit to monitor my baby’s heartbeat?

There is nothing stopping you from purchasing a Doppler kit if you want to, and using one won’t harm your baby directly. The worry is that the results are not an accurate representation of your baby’s overall well-being and may discourage you from seeking professional advice when you’re concerned. The Doppler and other scans you get at your maternity unit or labour ward are superior because the people who perform them have years of experience and training. It is always best to trust your instincts and speak to a professional if you are worried about your baby’s movements.

Learn more from Dr. Shree Datta or Unii’s Preconception and Pregnancy Journey video courses.

How do I know my baby's foetal movements are normal?

Unii looks at monitoring patterns and when to call the doctor or midwife.