Your baby’s movements matter
- Sally Goodwin
- 3 hours ago
- 5 min read
What the latest guidance tells us, and why maternal instinct should always be acted upon
When fetal movements begin
Most pregnant people first become aware of fetal movements between 18 and 20 weeks of pregnancy. In a first pregnancy, awareness may not occur until beyond 20 weeks, which is within the normal range. In subsequent pregnancies, movement may be noticed from around 16 weeks.
Early movements are often subtle and described as fluttering, bubbling, or gentle pressure. As pregnancy progresses, movements become more distinct and recognisable. From around 24 to 28 weeks, movements should be well established and felt regularly. Fetal movements should continue right up to and during labour.
It is not clinically accurate to state that babies slow down towards the end of pregnancy. Any perceived reduction in movement should be assessed rather than attributed to late gestation.
There is no normal number of movements
There is no set number of fetal movements that should be counted each day, and no daily target. Each baby has an individual pattern of movement, and it is this individual pattern that is clinically relevant. Some babies are consistently active; others move in more predictable cycles. Neither is inherently abnormal.
What matters is familiarity with the baby’s own pattern, and recognition of when that pattern feels different. Pregnant people are well placed to notice these changes, having continuous awareness of their baby’s behaviour throughout the day.
Why fetal movements matter
Fetal movement is a reflection of neurological and physiological wellbeing. Changes in movement can be an early indicator that placental function is compromised and that the baby is receiving reduced oxygen or nutrients.
When a baby is not receiving adequate nutrition or oxygenation, a reduction in movement may occur as an energy-conserving response. This is why reduced fetal movement is clinically significant and should always be assessed promptly.
Research indicates that in approximately half of all stillbirths, the mother had noticed a reduction in fetal movement in the days prior to the baby’s death.
Awareness of this association is important for all pregnant people, as it underlines the value of acting on any concern without delay.
Updated guidance from Tommy’s: what has changed and why
Tommy’s, in collaboration with the NHS, Sands, Kicks Count, Five X More, Mama Academy, and other organisations, has recently updated its guidance on fetal movements. This update reflects new evidence and will underpin revised RCOG guidelines.
A key driver of this update was a horizon scanning project led by Sands in 2024, which gathered the experiences of bereaved parents whose babies had died during pregnancy or were born sleeping. A recurring theme in these accounts was difficulty interpreting what constituted a ‘change’ in fetal movement. The language was experienced as vague and led to uncertainty about when to seek help, in some cases resulting in a delay in contacting maternity services.
In response to this, the updated guidance moves away from the language of 'change' and 'pattern' altogether. Research and the accounts of bereaved families showed that both terms were experienced as vague and difficult to interpret.
Asking someone whether their baby's movements have 'changed' or whether they know their baby's 'pattern' placed an unfair burden on families who were already uncertain and distressed. The new guidance uses clearer, more direct language so that the threshold for seeking help is unambiguous.
The updated guidance: when to seek assessment
Contact your maternity unit straight away if:
The baby is moving less than usual
Movements feel weaker than usual
The baby has not been felt to move today and there is any concern
There is uncertainty and reassurance is needed
The threshold for contacting a maternity unit should be low. Uncertainty alone is sufficient reason to call. There is no requirement to have identified a clear reduction or to be certain that something is wrong.
When to contact maternity services
Concerns about fetal movement should be acted on promptly. The following guidance applies:
Do not wait until the next scheduled appointment
Do not wait to see whether movements improve
Do not use a home doppler or smartphone application to check the fetal heartbeat; these are not reliable indicators of fetal wellbeing and can provide false reassurance
Hearing a heartbeat at home does not confirm that the baby is well; CTG monitoring by a midwife is required for an accurate assessment
Maternity units are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is no such thing as contacting a maternity unit too many times about fetal movements. Families are never wasting the time of maternity staff by seeking assessment.
The vast majority of people who contact their maternity unit with concerns about fetal movement go on to have a healthy baby. The assessment itself is what matters, and it is always the right course of action.
Who to contact
Your local maternity unit, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Sally Goodwin, Independent Midwife, at any time
Tommy’s free midwife helpline: 0800 0147 800, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Tommy’s email helpline: midwife@tommys.org
Further reading
Sally x
Sally Goodwin RM, MSc, IBCLC | Sally Goodwin Private Midwifery | North East Derbyshire, South Yorkshire and the East Midlands
References
Tommy’s (reviewed January 2026). Your baby’s movements in pregnancy. www.tommys.org
Sands (2025). Improving information and guidance about fetal movements: a horizon scanning project.
Tommy’s HCP updated guidance on reduced fetal movements, developed in collaboration with NHS, Sands, Kicks Count, Five X More and Mama Academy, reflecting forthcoming RCOG Green-top Guideline No. 57 update (2026).
NHS England (2023). Saving Babies’ Lives version 3.
This blog is written for the families in my care and for information purposes only. It does not replace individual clinical advice. If you have any concerns please contact your midwife or maternity unit straight away.
About The Author
Sally Goodwin is an award winning Midwife and founder of Sally Goodwin Private Midwifery Services. With over 18 years of experience as a midwife, Sally has had the privilege of supporting countless women and families through their pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood journeys.
Sally offers a compassionate and holistic private midwifery service, offering tailored care for parents-to-be in the East Midlands and South Yorkshire. From single appointments to full birth packages, providing expert support for pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Plus specialist care in lactation & tongue-tie release. Sally also runs the Mama & Baby Café in Chesterfield.
When she's not helping new parents and their babies, she's often found walking the Rupert the dog (and recording reels), being Mum to three grown up kids and Nana to two Grandies!
