Being aware of your baby’s movements during pregnancy is one of the easiest ways to help keep your baby safe and healthy.
Regular and strong movements are a good sign of wellbeing. Getting to know the pattern of your baby's movements is important – it is a way your baby can tell you that they are well. Movements are how your baby communicates with you.
Movement myths
- Baby’s movements will decrease towards the end of pregnancy. The baby is running out of room.
- If your baby isn’t moving as much as normal, just have something to eat or a cold drink to stimulate baby to move.
- Baby is just really sleepy today
- You will be wasting the midwife or doctors time, calling about movements.
All of the above is FALSE.
Movement facts
- Your baby should move regularly throughout your whole pregnancy, and even during labour.
- If your baby isn’t moving as much as normal, contact your maternity care provider immediately.
- During pregnancy your baby will have 20-40 minute sleep windows. You should have periods of movements before and after these sleep windows.
- Your maternity care team would always want you to call if you’re concerned about baby movements.
All of the above is TRUE.