Have Your Baby’s Movements Changed? Here’s What to Do

When does fetal movement start?

Those first few fluttery movements are sometimes called quickening. At the very beginning, you might feel something and then second-guess yourself: Did I really feel something? These early fetal movements might feel like gentle fluttering or bubbles. Some people even mistake them for gas.

You should start to feel your baby move around 16 to 22 weeks of pregnancy. A baby’s movements can be described as anything from a kick, flutter, swish, or roll.

However, if it’s your first pregnancy, you’re more likely to start feeling them a bit later, perhaps between 20 and 22 weeks. If you’ve been pregnant before, you might start noticing them a little earlier, perhaps around the 16-week mark.

Every pregnancy is unique, and there’s no “correct” time to feel fetal movement. You may feel flutters even earlier than 16 weeks or a little later than 22 weeks.

What’s movement like in the second trimester?

Ah, your second trimester: The glory days of pregnancy, when the morning sickness tends to wear off, but your baby is as large as they will be in your third trimester.

Your baby’s movements during the second trimester can be a little unpredictable. You’ll feel those first fluttery movements, which can start early in the second trimester but might show up a little later on.

Then, typically, you’ll start feeling those fetal movements a little more frequently — and a little more intensely. Your baby’s just getting warmed up! As your baby gets larger, the movements will get larger, too. You may start to feel some stretches and maybe even some punches and kicks.

Your healthcare professional might even be able to put a hand on your belly and feel your baby moving underneath.

What’s movement like in the third trimester?

You’re in the home stretch by the time you hit the third trimester.

At some point in this last trimester, you may start to notice some patterns in your baby’s movements. Perhaps your baby’s more active at certain times of day or night.

The movements may seem larger and more vigorous, and you may occasionally let out an “oof” after a particularly enthusiastic kick or punch. Your partner may be able to see your baby moving under your skin (is that a foot?).

Movements should get stronger until 32 weeks and remain at the same strength and frequency through the remaining weeks of your pregnancy. The type of movement might change but not strength or frequency.

Myths about a baby’s movements are, unfortunately, very common. However, it’s not true that babies move less toward the end of pregnancy. Babies do not “run out of room.” You should continue to feel your baby move right up to the time you go into labor and during labor, too.

Most people who had a stillbirth noticed their baby’s movements had changed. A change in movement can also be a warning sign of other problems. The sooner you seek care, the sooner you and your baby can be checked and given the right care. This could save you or your baby’s life.

What’s a kick count?

A kick count is exactly what it sounds like. You pick a time of day, and you count the number of times your baby kicks or moves during that time frame. It’s sometimes also called a fetal movement count (FMC). You can even use an app to help you keep track.

You’re looking to time how long it takes your baby to reach 10 movements. Count movements (like kicks, flutters, swishes, or rolls). Hiccups do not count. Stop counting when you reach 10, and note the time.

After each session, compare the time (how long it took) and strength (how the kicks felt) with past sessions. If you notice a change in strength of movements or how long it takes your baby to get to 10 movements, go to the hospital immediately.

Remember, the hospital is available 24/7 for you and your baby to get checked. Do not put off getting checked until the next day or wait until your next scheduled appointment.

What should you do if you notice a change in movement?

Go to the hospital immediately if you notice any changes in your baby’s movements or feel concerned. Don’t delay seeking care.

You can call your doctor to let them know you are going to the hospital. However, you do not need their permission to go in or to get checked. Decreased movements can’t be checked from home — you need to go to a hospital immediately.

A change in movements can be an early sign and sometimes the only sign that your baby needs help. If you receive care promptly, there is a window of opportunity in which the baby’s life may be saved.

Some examples of a change include less movement, weaker movements, or an unusually rapid increase in movement. Trust your instincts.

Generally, you won’t be discharged until you’re happy with your baby’s movements. Don’t go home if you don’t feel reassured.

If you are experiencing a change in your baby’s movements, don’t use handheld monitors, dopplers, or phone apps to check your baby’s heartbeat. Even if you detect a heartbeat, this does not mean your baby is well.

Don’t waste time trying to get your baby moving by drinking cold water or eating something sugary. Don’t start a new kick count, even if asked by a healthcare professional on the phone. It’s important to get checked out in person at the hospital immediately.

At the hospital, you will have an examination. Healthcare professionals will monitor your baby’s heart rate. You may have other exams, such as a 3D ultrasound, which can give your doctor a good look at your baby, their movements, and their growth and development to make sure things are on track.

You may also have a nonstress test, which can provide some useful information on your baby’s heart rate and movements during the third trimester.

What causes decreased movement?

While a decrease in movement may be caused by something benign or harmless, like your baby is sleeping, it may also be the only sign you have that something is wrong and that your baby needs immediate medical care.

There are many serious and potentially lethal reasons that your baby might not be moving around as much. Your baby’s growth might have slowed. Or there could be a problem with your baby’s placenta or with your uterus. It’s also possible that your baby’s umbilical cord could have gotten wrapped around their neck, a condition that doctors call nuchal cord.

What does increased or frantic movement mean?

While a steady increase in movements throughout pregnancy generally implies a healthy and growing baby, a sudden rapid increase in movements from a baby’s normal pattern can be a warning sign that the baby is in distress and should be checked immediately.

When to see a doctor

Go to the hospital immediately if you notice any changes in your baby’s movement or feel concerned. A hospital is open at all times and can check your baby right away. Don’t wait until the next morning, the next day, or until your next scheduled prenatal appointment.

Decreased movements are not something you can assess at home. It may be an emergency for your baby, and you need to go to the hospital immediately.

Changes in movements can be the earliest and only warning sign that your baby needs immediate help. There may be a window of opportunity to help your baby and potentially save their life if there is a serious condition or emergency.

The takeaway

Every pregnancy is different — even for the same person. Your first baby may move around a lot more — or a lot less — than your second. What’s important is paying attention to patterns of your baby’s movements in utero.

And as your pregnancy progresses, those kick counts can be a good way to give yourself some peace of mind.

If you notice something that sets off your internal alarm, though, do not hesitate to call your doctor or go to the hospital. It’s possible that some additional evaluation might be a good idea, just to rule out any possibility of complications.

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