Baby movements in pregnancy: when is assessment needed?

Contact your pregnancy care team or maternity assessment unit immediately if movements you previously felt have reduced, stopped or changed pattern; night-time is not a reason to wait. If you cannot reach them, seek the nearest emergency care service. Trying food, juice or walking to stimulate movement must not delay assessment.

Movements are often first noticed between 16 and 24 weeks, sometimes after 20 weeks in a first pregnancy. This does not mean the baby only begins moving then; starting to move and being felt are different. Tell your team if you have felt no movement by 24 weeks. Early fluttering may later feel like kicks and rolls.

You will be asked about pregnancy stage, movement changes and other symptoms. The team may check the heartbeat, monitor heart rate at an appropriate gestation or arrange an ultrasound when needed. Test duration and findings differ between people. If movements reduce again after assessment, seek immediate help again even if earlier results were reassuring.

Promptly tell the assessment team about bleeding, leaking fluid, persistent severe abdominal pain, severe headache or vision changes. Call 112 for emergency help with heavy bleeding, fainting, a seizure or severe breathlessness. Booking a routine appointment does not replace seeking immediate assessment for reduced movements.