10 Fun Facts About Antenatal Movements You Probably Didn’t Know

Feeling your baby move is one of the most magical parts of pregnancy. Those kicks, stretches, and hiccups don’t just signal your baby’s growth—they also offer a fascinating glimpse into their world inside the womb. While many mums-to-be focus on counting kicks or tracking patterns, there’s a lot more to antenatal movements than meets the eye.

Here are 10 fun facts about antenatal movements that may surprise you, backed by science and expert insights.

1. Your Baby Starts Moving Earlier Than You Think

Most mums-to-be feel their baby’s movements between 16 and 24 weeks, but your baby begins moving long before you notice it. Research shows that fetal movements start as early as 7–8 weeks after conception. At this stage, movements are tiny twitches and reflexes as your baby’s muscles and nervous system develop.

By 10 weeks, these movements become more coordinated, even though they’re too small for you to feel.

Source: Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) explains that early fetal movements are essential for healthy growth and joint development.

2. Your Baby Has Favourite Times to Move

Babies develop their own patterns of activity and rest while in the womb. You might notice your little one is most active in the evening or after you eat. This is because your body’s movement during the day can lull them to sleep, while the quiet moments allow them to wake up and stretch.

Some babies are naturally more active than others, which is why understanding your baby’s unique pattern is key.

Tip: Keep a journal of your baby’s movements to identify their favourite activity times. The NHS recommends tracking patterns from around 28 weeks.

3. Movements Can Feel Like Hiccups

Feeling rhythmic, gentle taps in your belly? That’s likely your baby having hiccups! Hiccups are caused by the baby practising breathing movements, which strengthen their diaphragm. They are entirely normal and often start in the second trimester.

Hiccups can continue right up until birth, offering yet another way to connect with your baby.

4. Movement Patterns Change as Your Baby Grows

In the early stages, movements may feel like flutters or bubbles. By the second trimester, they become more pronounced as your baby grows stronger. In the third trimester, you’ll feel more distinct kicks, stretches, and rolls.

As your baby runs out of space in the womb, their movements may feel different but should not decrease in frequency. Instead of sharp kicks, you’ll notice more stretching and squirming.

Source: According to Tommy’s PregnancyHub, a decrease in movement should always be reported, as it can sometimes indicate an issue.

5. Movements Help Your Baby’s Development

Every wriggle, kick, and roll your baby makes is part of their physical and neurological development. These movements help:

Strengthen muscles and bones.

Develop motor skills and coordination.

Stimulate brain growth by forming neural connections.

In fact, the more your baby moves, the more practice they’re getting for life outside the womb.

6. Babies Can Respond to Sounds and Light

By the second trimester, your baby’s senses are developing rapidly. They can hear sounds outside the womb and may respond to your voice, music, or even loud noises with kicks and wriggles. By the third trimester, shining a light on your belly might elicit movement, as your baby’s eyes can detect changes in brightness.

These interactions are a wonderful way to bond with your baby before they’re born.

Source: Studies cited by the Journal of Fetal Medicine and Surgery indicate that sound and light can stimulate antenatal movements, enhancing sensory development.

7. Some Movements Are Reflexive

Not all antenatal movements are intentional. Reflex movements, such as sudden jerks or twitches, occur as your baby’s nervous system matures. These reflexes are a normal part of development and help prepare your baby for survival after birth.

For instance, the startle reflex—where your baby’s arms and legs jerk outward—will be present at birth and continue as they grow.

8. Your Baby Can Have “Active Days” and “Quiet Days”

It’s common for babies to have periods of increased activity followed by quieter times. These quiet periods are often when your baby is sleeping, which can last up to 14 hours a day by the third trimester.

However, you should still feel regular movements throughout the day. If you notice significant changes in your baby’s activity, always consult your midwife or antenatal clinic.

Tip: Relax and focus on your baby’s movements during quieter times. Lying on your side can make movements easier to feel.

9. Twins and Multiples Have Unique Movement Patterns

If you’re expecting twins or multiples, their movement patterns may differ from those of singletons. Twins often develop their own rhythms, and it’s possible to distinguish one baby’s movements from the other’s as they grow.

Interestingly, studies show that twins interact with each other in the womb, touching and even responding to each other’s movements. This early bonding is a fascinating glimpse into their relationship before birth.

10. Movements Continue During Labour

Your baby doesn’t stop moving just because labour has begun. In fact, movements during labour are a sign that your baby is coping well with the process. You might notice stretches or wiggles as your baby positions themselves for delivery.

If you feel a sudden decrease in movement during labour, inform your healthcare team immediately, as this could indicate your baby needs assistance.

Source: The NHS advises monitoring movements even during labour to ensure your baby’s safety.

Monitoring Movements: A Reassuring Practice

Tracking your baby’s movements is not only exciting but also an important part of antenatal care. From 28 weeks, you should monitor their unique pattern of movements daily.

Tips for Monitoring:

Choose a quiet time each day to focus on movements.

Use a journal or app to track how long it takes to feel 10 movements.

Contact your midwife or antenatal clinic immediately if you notice any changes.

The Kicks Count app is a popular UK resource for mums-to-be, offering a simple way to monitor antenatal movements.

When to Seek Advice

Reduced or absent movements can sometimes indicate a problem, such as reduced oxygen or nutrient supply. If you’re concerned about your baby’s movements, don’t wait—contact your midwife or antenatal clinic immediately.

The NHS emphasises that early intervention can make a big difference, so it’s always better to err on the side of caution.

UK Resources for Antenatal Support

NHS Pregnancy Services: Comprehensive advice on antenatal movements and pregnancy care. Visit NHS Pregnancy Care

Tommy’s PregnancyHub: Offers guidance on fetal movements and overall antenatal health. Visit Tommy’s

Kicks Count: A UK charity focused on raising awareness about the importance of tracking movements. Visit Kicks Count

Final Thoughts: Celebrate Every Movement

Your baby’s antenatal movements are more than just kicks—they’re milestones, indicators of health, and precious moments of connection. From their first flutter to their final stretches before birth, each movement tells a story of growth, development, and readiness for the world.

Embrace these moments, track patterns, and trust your instincts. If you ever feel unsure about your baby’s movements, seek advice from your midwife or antenatal clinic. Together, you and your baby are on an incredible journey, one kick at a time.