Reduced baby movements during pregnancy
- 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
Your midwife will 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.
Contact information for your local maternity service
East and North Hertfordshire (The Lister Hospital): 01438 284 124
West Essex (The Princess Alexandra Hospital): 01279 827286
South and West Hertfordshire (Watford General Hospital): 01923 217 343
Your baby's movements during pregnancy
Having an active baby is a good sign that your baby is healthy. Every baby is different and their patterns all vary, so get to know your baby and what is normal. It’s important to recognise if your baby becomes less active or stops moving. However, it is sometimes difficult to be aware of movements when you are busy, active and on your feet for a lot of the day so allow yourself time to sit down and become aware throughout the day. As your pregnancy progresses, it is normal for movements to change, from vigorous kicks and punches to less vigorous rolls and squirms, but the frequency usually remains similar. This is normal and is indicative of how much space they have to move around.
![](https://www.hwehealthiertogether.nhs.uk/application/files/cache/thumbnails/3c5af0d52d3302577cb03df477202124.jpg)
Find out more information and advice by clicking on the links below:
NHS UK: Your baby's movements - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Tommy: Your Baby's Movements: When Does a Baby Start Kicking? | Tommy's (tommys.org)
Leaflet and banner: Feeling your baby move is a sign that they are well | Tommy's (tommys.org)