Movements in pregnancy

Your baby's movements - NHS

When you'll feel your baby move

You should start to feel your baby move between around 16 to 24 weeks of pregnancy. If this is your first baby, you might not feel movements until after 20 weeks.

If you have not felt your baby move by 24 weeks, tell your midwife. They'll check your baby's heartbeat and movements.

You should feel your baby move right up to and during labour.

Other people cannot feel your baby move as early as you can. When they can feel the movements, by putting a hand on your bump, is different for everyone.

What your baby's movements feel like

The movements can feel like a gentle swirling or fluttering. As your pregnancy progresses, you may feel kicks and jerky movements.

Urgent advice: Call your midwife or maternity unit immediately if:

your baby is moving less than usual
you cannot feel your baby moving anymore
there is a change to your baby's usual pattern of movements

They'll need to check your baby's movements and heartbeat.

Do not wait until the next day – call immediately, even if it's the middle of the night.

How often should your baby move?

There's no set number of movements you should feel each day – every baby is different.

You do not need to count the number of kicks or movements you feel each day.

The important thing is to get to know your baby's usual movements from day to day.

Important

Do not use a home doppler (heartbeat listening kit) to try to check the baby's heartbeat yourself. This is not a reliable way to check your baby's health. Even if you hear a heartbeat, this does not mean your baby is well.

Why your baby's movements are important

If your baby is not well, they will not be as active as usual. This means less movement can be a sign of infection or another problem.

The sooner this is found out the better, so you and your baby can be given the right treatment and care.

This could save your baby's life.

Can your baby move too much

It's not likely your baby can move too much. The important thing is to be aware of your baby's usual pattern of movements.

Any changes to this pattern of movements should be checked by a midwife or doctor.

Find out more

Tommy’s: baby movements in pregnancy
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists: your baby’s movements in pregnancy
signs that labour may be starting

Page last reviewed: 12 October 2021
Next review due: 12 October 2024

Baby movements in pregnancy | Tommy's

You may feel your baby move as early as 16 weeks of pregnancy, but most women usually feel something between 18 and 24 weeks. If this is your first pregnancy, you may not notice your baby’s movements until you are more than 20 weeks pregnant.

Tommy's has developed a guide to baby movements in partnership with NHS England on baby's movements in pregnancy. It is available in ten languages at the bottom of this page.

What does a movement feel like?

Baby movements in the womb, also known as fetal movements or ‘kicks’, can feel like anything from a flutter, kick, swish or roll. The type of movement may change as your pregnancy progresses.

How often should my baby move?

There is no set number of normal movements you should be feeling – every baby is different. Get to know how your baby moves.

From 18-24 weeks on you should feel the baby move more and more. After 32 weeks, the movements will stay roughly the same until you give birth.

It is NOT TRUE that babies move less towards the end of pregnancy.
You should CONTINUE to feel your baby move right up to the time you go into labour and during labour.

Get to know your baby’s normal kicks and movements.

DO NOT WAIT until the next day to seek advice if you are worried about your baby’s movements

Contact your midwife or maternity unit immediately if you think your baby’s movements have slowed down, stopped or changed. There are staff on the hospital maternity unit 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

DO NOT put off calling until the next day to see what happens.
Do not worry about phoning. It is important for your doctors and midwives to know if your baby’s movements have slowed down or stopped.

Find out what should happen when you report reduced fetal movement

Why are my baby’s movements important?

Feeling your baby move is a sign they are well.

If your baby moves less or if you notice a change this can sometimes be an important warning sign that a baby is unwell. If you get the right treatment and care as soon as you can this could save your baby’s life.

Is there anything that can affect being able to feel my baby move?

You may be less likely to be aware of your baby’s movements when you are active or busy.

If your placenta is at the front of your uterus (womb), it may not be easy for you to feel your baby’s movements. 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.

But don’t assume this is why you can’t feel your baby’s movements. If you think your baby’s movements have slowed down, stopped or changed contact your midwife or maternity unit immediately. It’s always best to get checked.

Your baby lying head down or bottom first will not affect whether you can feel them move.

Can I make my baby move?

No, you should not try to make your baby move. If you think your baby’s movements have slowed down, stopped or changed contact your midwife or maternity unit immediately.

Can I use a home doppler to check on my baby?

Do not use any hand-held monitors, dopplers or phone apps to check your baby’s heartbeat. Even if you think you detect a heartbeat, this does not mean your baby is well because it might be your own heartbeat. You need to be checked by a healthcare professional.

Find out more about why using home devices are not a safe way of checking your baby’s health.

You need to be monitored by a cardiotocography machine or a midwife who can interpret the baby’s heartbeat.

Any care or treatment that could save a baby needs to be done when the baby has a heartbeat.

What happens if my baby's movements have slowed down?

Less than 24 weeks pregnant

Contact your midwife if you have never felt your baby move by 24 weeks. They will check your baby’s heartbeat. You may have an ultrasound scan and you may be referred to a specialist fetal medicine centre to check your baby's health.

Between 24 and 28 weeks pregnant

You should contact your midwife or local maternity unit immediately. Do not wait until the next day or next appointment.

You will have a full antenatal check-up that includes checking the size of your uterus, measuring your blood pressure and testing your urine for protein. If your uterus measures smaller or larger than expected, you may have an ultrasound scan to check on your baby’s growth and development.

Over 28 weeks

You should contact your midwife or local maternity unit immediately. Do not wait until the next day or next appointment.

You will have a full antenatal check-up, your baby's heart rate will be monitored to reassure you about your baby's wellbeing. This is done with a cardiotocograph monitor.

An ultrasound scan may be arranged if:

your womb is smaller or larger than expected
you have a high risk pregnancy
the heart rate is normal but you still feel that your baby's movements are slower or less
you have had reduced fetal movements already in your pregnancy.

If the movements have slowed down does it mean my baby is not well?

Fewer movements could mean that your baby is unwell, but usually these checks reveal that everything is OK. Most women who have experienced one episode of fewer movements go on to have a straightforward pregnancy and healthy baby. However it is very important that you are checked to make sure everything is OK.

What if my baby’s movements are reduced again?

If, after your check up, you are still not happy with your baby’s movement, you must contact either your midwife or maternity unit straight away, even if everything was OK last time.

NEVER HESITATE to contact your midwife or the maternity unit for advice, no matter how many times this happens.

Download the leaflet

The leaflet Feeling your baby move is a sign that they are well is available to download in English and many different languages.

12 exercises for pregnant women recommended by doctors

March 21, 2021 Likbez Sports and fitness

Even if you have never been into fitness, now is the time to start.

Iya Zorina

Author of Lifehacker, athlete, CCM

Why do exercises for pregnant women

Scientists and doctors agree that pregnancy is not a reason to stop training. You should continue to engage in your usual physical activity as long as you feel comfortable doing it. nine0003

In addition, women who were inactive before pregnancy are advised to add more movement, as exercise provides several benefits at once:

strengthens muscles, which helps you better cope with the extra weight that you will gain during pregnancy;
improve blood circulation;
strengthen joints;
help with back pain that can develop as the belly grows;
have a positive effect on the duration of labor and its outcome; nine0018
reduce the risk of complications in late pregnancy and childbirth.

The American College of Sports Medicine recommends that pregnant women exercise for at least 30 minutes a day most of the week. But this applies to healthy women without contraindications to exercise.

How to know if you can exercise during pregnancy

While healthy women have little to no contraindications to exercise, there are several conditions in which physical activity can be harmful. nine0003

Exercise during pregnancy is contraindicated in:

gestational hypertension;
preeclampsia;
rupture of membranes;
cervical incompetence;
bleeding in the second or third trimester;
multiple pregnancy at risk of preterm delivery;
placenta previa;
threatened preterm birth.

Exercise caution should also be exercised in cases of growth restriction, extreme weight, and poorly controlled comorbidities such as type 1 diabetes, hypertension, seizure disorders, and thyroid disease. nine0003

Even if you feel fine and do not have any illness, please consult your pregnancy doctor before beginning any activity.

He will assess the risks and your level of activity before pregnancy and will give recommendations on the types, intensity and duration of activities.

Things to consider when doing exercises for pregnant women

First of all, it is worth reducing the intensity to a comfortable level. Stick to the Conversation Rule: If you can carry on a conversation during a workout without getting out of breath, the intensity is right. nine0003

If you did not exercise before pregnancy, start with 15 minutes of exercise a day. Gradually bring this time up to 30 minutes, but not quickly - focus on the sensations of your body and do not overload.

Also follow a few rules:

always warm up before training and cool down after training;
avoid strenuous exercise in hot conditions;
drink enough water;
if you are going to work with a trainer, make sure that he has a special education and tell him about the pregnancy. nine0018

Exercises to avoid during pregnancy

There are several types of exercises that can lead to undesirable consequences or make you uncomfortable:

Movements in which you lie on your back for a long time (after 16 weeks of pregnancy). Because the weight of the abdomen compresses the main blood vessels that bring blood to the heart, lying on your back can cause weakness.
An activity that requires you to stand for long periods of time. nine0018
Contact sports that increase the risk of getting hit.
Exercise and activity that can lead to a fall. If you feel insecure, ask your relatives to insure.

What Pregnancy Exercises to Do

Here are some safe pregnancy exercises you can do if there are no contraindications.

1. Wall Push-ups

This exercise will strengthen your chest muscles and the back of your shoulders. nine0003

Stand one step away from a wall with your feet hip-width apart. Press your palms against the wall at shoulder level, bend your elbows, and do a push-up. Keep your back straight, do not spread your elbows to the sides, position your shoulders at a 45 ° angle from the body. Gradually work your way up to 15 reps.

2. Fitness Ball Squat

This exercise strengthens your hips and back, improves your ability to get into and out of a chair with new weight and a shifted center of gravity. nine0107

Stand up straight with a fitness ball between your lower back and a wall. Place your feet shoulder-width apart. Lower yourself down to a right angle at the knees. Make sure your heels do not come off the floor.

If you find it difficult to squat to a right angle at the knees, do the exercise as low as you can. Then straighten your legs, returning to the starting position, and repeat the movement.

If you feel unsure, ask someone to stand next to you to help you if you lose your balance. Perform 10-12 times. nine0003

3. Leg raises on all fours

This exercise strengthens the muscles of the back and abdomen.

Get on all fours, place your wrists under your shoulders, straighten your arms. Raise your right knee and straighten your leg back parallel to the floor. Return it to the floor and repeat on the other side. Do 10 reps with each leg.

4. Steps

A functional movement that will help you strengthen your legs and buttocks and improve your sense of balance. You can step onto a step stand or a ladder rung. Make sure the chosen support is stable. nine0003

Step up the hill, then back down and repeat with the other leg. During the exercise, keep your back straight and fully press the foot to the surface of the platform.

Do as many reps as you can, depending on your fitness level. Stop when you get tired or the form of the exercise begins to suffer.

5. Elbow Side Plank

This exercise strengthens core muscles and helps increase stability and balance.

Lie on your left side, bend your knees so that your thighs are in line with your body. Then lift your body off the floor, resting on your knees and left forearm. Place your right hand on your right side. Hold the position for a few seconds, then lower yourself to the floor and repeat. Do 10 reps on each side.

6. Leg extension with lumbar support

This movement will help strengthen the abdominal muscles.

Lie down on a mat with a folded blanket under your lower back and place your hands on your forearms. Bend your knees at a right angle and place your feet on the mat. Straighten one knee, extending the leg, then return it to the starting position and repeat with the other leg. Do 10 times with each leg. nine0003

7. Bosu V-Position Hold

You can perform the ab hold while sitting on an unstable platform.

Sit on the Bosu with your knees bent at a right angle and your feet flat on the floor. You can stretch your arms out in front of you or leave them pressed against the platform if you feel insecure.

Lean your back straight and tighten your abs. Hold this pose for a few seconds, then return to the starting position and repeat. Aim for 10 reps. nine0003

If you find it easy to do the V-fold on two legs, try doing it on one. When you tilt your body back, lift one leg off the mat and extend it parallel to the floor.

Hold for a few seconds, then return to the starting position. Repeat 10 times and do with the other leg.

8. Seated Stomach Row

This exercise strengthens the muscles of the upper back.

Sit on a chair, press the band with your feet, placing it under the balls of your feet. Grasp the handles or loops of the expander, turning the brushes with your palms facing you. Lean your body forward with a straight back. nine0003

Overcoming the resistance of the elastic band, pull the handles to the belt. Feel how your shoulder blades converge. Return to starting position and repeat. Do 15 times.

You can also do this exercise while sitting on a fitball. It is good if there is a person nearby who can insure you in case of loss of balance.

9. Seated band deadlift

This exercise will strengthen the back extensor muscles.

Sit on a fitness ball or chair with your feet shoulder-width apart and your feet flat on the floor. Place the expander under the arches of the feet. Holding the handles in straight arms, bend at the hip joint. Bring your belly close to your hips, keeping your back straight, then return to the starting position and repeat. Do 15 reps. nine0003

To make this exercise harder, wrap the band around your wrists to provide more resistance and stress on your back muscles.

10. Backbend on all fours

Get on all fours with your knees under your hips and your hands under your shoulders with your fingers forward. Make sure your lower back stays neutral and doesn't arch. Pull in your stomach and raise your back to the ceiling, arching it in an arc. Leave your head hanging relaxed, do not block the elbow joint. Move within a comfortable range. nine0003

Hold the pose for a few seconds, then slowly return to the starting position. Again, check that the lower back is in a neutral position, and does not sag in an arch. Perform the exercise slowly and rhythmically 10 times, feel how the back muscles work.

11. Pelvic tilt

Stand up straight with your shoulders and buttocks against the wall, do not strain your knees or lock your joints. Pull your navel towards your spine so that your lower back is fully pressed against the wall. Hold for 4 seconds and relax. Repeat 10 times. nine0003

12. Pelvic floor exercises

Squeeze your pelvic floor muscles as if you were about to stop urinating. Pull your vagina in at the same time, as if you were going to wrap around a tampon.

To begin with, do these exercises quickly, contracting and relaxing the muscles. Then move on to slow movements, holding contractions for as long as you can. Try to hold out for 10 seconds.

Do 3 sets of eight compressions each day.

When to stop exercising

Pay close attention to how you feel. Stop exercising if you experience signs of preterm labor and the following symptoms:

vaginal bleeding;
dizziness;
pain or swelling of the legs;
chest pain;
reduced fetal activity;
leakage of amniotic fluid;
shortness of breath before exercise.

Seek medical advice immediately after stopping exercise. nine0003

Fetal movements during pregnancy

Pregnant women and obstetricians and gynecologists are waiting for fetal movements. This is a very important sign that allows you to judge that the pregnancy is going well, and the child is developing successfully. Also, the baby communicates with the mother with the help of movements and can tell her about any inconvenience, so you need to listen to the movements of the fetus. nine0003

When fetal movements appear

The first fetal movements appear at the seventh or eighth week of pregnancy. However, the small fetus does not come into contact with the walls of the uterus, so the mother does not feel its movements.
Closer to the seventeenth week, the fetus begins to react to loud sound and light, from the eighteenth it begins to consciously move.
A woman begins to feel movements during her first pregnancy from the twentieth week. In subsequent pregnancies, these sensations occur two to three weeks earlier. Also, a woman will feel the first movement of the fetus earlier if she is slim and leads an active lifestyle. nine0018
From the twenty-eighth week, especially active movements are observed. The child "communicates" with the mother, reacts to her emotions. This continues until the thirty-second week, when the baby grows so much that it can no longer actively move in the uterus.

Fetal movement - as normal

Except for three to four hours a day when the baby sleeps, he is in constant motion. In the twentieth week, the fetus makes two hundred perturbations a day, from the twenty-eighth to the thirty-second, their number increases to six hundred. Then, the activity decreases again. nine0003

Fetal activity may vary depending on the following factors:

Time of day . Usually the fetus moves more actively in the evening and at night.
Mother's emotions . If a pregnant woman is under stress, then the child is frightened, may freeze and stop moving, or, conversely, react to adrenaline with active movements.
Physical activity . During physical activity, the child is usually more calm than at rest. If the mother is in an uncomfortable position for a long time, the fetus may react with strong painful shocks. nine0018
Pregnant diet . If the mother feels hungry, the child begins to move more actively. Also pushing and touching become stronger after eating. Especially if mom eats sweets.
Environment a. The fetus reacts to loud sounds, sudden switching on of light. He may freeze in fear, or vice versa, begin to move more actively.

Why and how to count fetal movements

Changes in the motor activity of the fetus may be a sign of pregnancy pathology. Too strong, painful, or vice versa, weakened movements signal that the child does not have enough oxygen. This condition is called fetal hypoxia. In addition, sensations change when the amount of amniotic fluid changes. Therefore, it is important to count fetal movements, especially during the first pregnancy. nine0003

There are three methods for counting fetal movements:

Pearson method .
Learn more

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