Antenatal Movements: What They Mean and Why They Matter

Feeling your baby move for the first time is a magical moment in pregnancy. These movements, often described as flutters or kicks, signify your baby’s growth, development, and overall health. Beyond the emotional connection they provide, antenatal movements are a crucial indicator of your baby’s wellbeing, giving you and your healthcare provider valuable insights into their development.

In this guide, we’ll explore the meaning behind antenatal movements, how they evolve throughout pregnancy, and why it’s important to monitor them. We’ll also offer advice on what to do if you notice any changes.

What Are Antenatal Movements?

Antenatal movements refer to the kicks, rolls, stretches, and wiggles that your baby makes as they grow and develop in the womb. These movements are not random—they are a sign of your baby practising motor skills, responding to their environment, and preparing for life outside the womb.

Types of Antenatal Movements

Flutters: Light, quick sensations often felt early in pregnancy.

Kicks and Jabs: More defined movements as your baby grows stronger.

Rolls and Stretches: Larger, slower movements often felt in the third trimester.

Hiccups: Rhythmic, repetitive movements caused by your baby practising breathing.

When Do Movements Begin?

Most first-time mums feel movements between 18 and 24 weeks. If you’ve been pregnant before, you may notice them as early as 16 weeks. If you haven’t felt movements by 24 weeks, it’s important to speak with your midwife or GP.

Source: The NHS advises expectant mothers to monitor movements from 24 weeks onwards, as consistent activity is a sign of good health.

Why Antenatal Movements Matter

Antenatal movements are more than just a reassuring sign of life—they provide critical information about your baby’s health.

What Movements Indicate

Healthy Development: Regular movements show that your baby is growing and developing as expected.

Oxygen Supply: Active movements are a sign that your baby is receiving adequate oxygen through the placenta.

Brain and Muscle Function: Movements reflect the development of your baby’s nervous system and muscles.

Studies, such as those published in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, show that reduced or unusual movements can sometimes indicate potential complications, such as restricted growth or placental issues. Recognising these changes early ensures timely medical intervention.

Tracking Antenatal Movements

Every baby develops their own unique pattern of movements, and recognising this routine is key to monitoring their health. Tracking movements helps you identify what’s normal for your baby and spot any changes.

How to Track Movements

Start Observing: Begin monitoring movements around 24–28 weeks, when patterns become more noticeable.

Find a Comfortable Position: Sit or lie on your left side to feel movements more clearly.

Log Patterns: Use a notebook or app to record active times, noting any changes.

Count Movements: Some methods involve counting kicks during a specific time period, such as an hour after a meal.

When Are Movements Strongest?

Babies are often more active:

After meals or snacks.

During the evening or at night.

When you’re lying down and relaxed.

Source: The Kick Counts initiative emphasises that understanding your baby’s routine is the best way to detect abnormalities early.

Changes in Movement Patterns

It’s important to remember that while movements may change as your pregnancy progresses, they should not decrease. Your baby’s routine may evolve, especially as they run out of space in the womb, but you should still feel regular activity.

When to Contact Your Midwife

If you notice a significant reduction in movements or if they stop altogether.

If the pattern becomes unusual for your baby (e.g., sudden, frantic movements).

If you feel fewer than 10 movements in two hours during their usual active times.

Always trust your instincts—if something feels off, seek medical advice. It’s better to get checked and be reassured than to delay action.

Supporting Healthy Movements

While your baby’s movements are largely spontaneous, there are ways you can support their health and encourage regular activity.

Tips for Supporting Movements

Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can sometimes reduce fetal activity.

Eat Balanced Meals: Nutritional antenatal care, including snacks rich in protein or sugar, can stimulate movement.

Change Positions: If you’re not feeling movements, try lying on your side or gently shifting positions.

Stay Active: Gentle exercises like prenatal yoga improve blood flow to the placenta, supporting your baby’s activity.

What’s Normal and What’s Not?

Understanding what’s normal for antenatal movements helps you distinguish between regular variations and potential issues.

Myths About Movements

Myth: Babies move less in the third trimester.

Fact: Movements may feel different due to limited space, but they should remain consistent.

Myth: You don’t need to track movements daily.

Fact: Monitoring movements helps you notice changes early, which can be critical.

Myth: Reduced movements are normal when nearing labour.

Fact: Always report reduced movements, even in late pregnancy.

The Role of Antenatal Classes

Many antenatal classes cover the importance of tracking movements and what to expect at different stages. They provide practical advice and reassurance, helping you feel confident about recognising patterns and seeking help when needed.

Topics Covered:

How to track movements.

Common changes during pregnancy.

When and how to contact your healthcare provider.

Resources for Monitoring Movements in the UK

NHS Pregnancy Services: Offers guidance on recognising normal movements and when to seek help. Visit NHS Pregnancy Care

Tommy’s PregnancyHub: Provides tools and advice for tracking movements and understanding their significance. Visit Tommy’s

Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG): Shares evidence-based information on fetal movements. Visit RCOG

Final Thoughts: Trust Your Instincts

Your baby’s antenatal movements are their way of communicating with you. By understanding what these movements mean, tracking their patterns, and acting on any concerns, you play an active role in ensuring their health and wellbeing.

Every pregnancy is unique, and what’s normal for one baby might not be the same for another. Trust your instincts, stay informed, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your midwife or antenatal team if something feels unusual. Your attentiveness could make all the difference in ensuring a safe and healthy pregnancy.