How to Track Your Baby’s Antenatal Movements Like a Pro

Feeling your baby move is one of the most reassuring and exciting aspects of pregnancy. Those little flutters and kicks don’t just strengthen your bond—they’re also a vital sign of your baby’s well-being. Monitoring your baby’s antenatal movements helps you stay attuned to their health, but there’s more to it than just counting kicks.

In this guide, you’ll learn evidence-based tips for tracking antenatal movements, why the NHS no longer recommends counting kicks, and what to do if you notice changes in your baby’s activity.

Why Monitoring Movements Matters

Your baby’s movements are an important indicator of their health. Regular activity shows that your baby is developing properly and receiving enough oxygen and nutrients through the placenta. A reduction in movements can sometimes signal a problem, such as reduced oxygen supply, making early detection crucial.

According to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), monitoring movements is one of the simplest ways to keep track of your baby’s well-being during pregnancy.

Why the NHS No Longer Recommends Counting Kicks

In the past, mums-to-be were often told to count 10 movements in a set period of time, also known as “kick counting.” However, the NHS and other health organisations now discourage this approach. Here’s why:

Every Baby Is Unique: Kick counting doesn’t account for individual differences in movement patterns. Some babies naturally move more or less than others.

Focus on Patterns: It’s more effective to monitor your baby’s unique movement pattern, which reflects their normal activity levels, rather than aiming for a set number of kicks.

Potential Misinterpretation: Counting kicks can cause unnecessary anxiety or lead to missed concerns if a baby’s activity is within the “10 kicks” guideline but still different from their usual pattern.

Instead, the NHS recommends getting to know your baby’s unique movement pattern and contacting your midwife if you notice any significant changes.

How to Track Your Baby’s Movements Like a Pro

1. Understand What Counts as Movement

Your baby’s movements include:

Kicks

Punches

Rolls

Twists

Hiccups

Each baby moves differently, and the strength or type of movement may vary depending on their position or your stage of pregnancy.

2. Know When to Start Tracking

Most mums-to-be feel their baby move between 16 and 24 weeks. By 28 weeks, your baby should have an established pattern of movements. This is the ideal time to start tracking.

Early Movements:

Feel like flutters, bubbles, or gentle taps.

May be irregular at first.

Later Movements:

Become stronger and more predictable by the third trimester.

Include stretches and rolls as your baby grows and runs out of space.

Source: The NHS advises that if you haven’t felt any movements by 24 weeks, contact your midwife.

3. Choose a Quiet Time

Pick a time of day when your baby is usually active. Many babies are most active in the evening when you’re relaxed. Sit or lie on your side in a quiet place where you can focus without distractions.

Ideal Positions:

Lie on your left side to encourage blood flow to your baby.

Sitting upright is another good option if lying down isn’t comfortable.

4. Focus on Patterns, Not Numbers

The goal isn’t to count a specific number of movements but to get familiar with what’s normal for your baby. Regular tracking helps you notice if their activity changes significantly.

What to Look For:

How often your baby moves during active times.

The strength and type of movements (e.g., kicks, rolls).

Changes in the timing or frequency of movements.

If your baby’s movements suddenly become less frequent, weaker, or stop altogether, contact your midwife or antenatal clinic immediately.

5. Use a Tracking Tool

You don’t need special equipment to monitor movements, but some mums find it helpful to use a journal or an app to keep track.

Options to Try:

Kick-Tracking Apps: Apps like Kicks Count make it easy to record movements.

Movement Journals: A simple notebook can help you note patterns and changes.

What’s Normal and What’s Not?

Normal Movement Patterns:

Your baby will have active and quiet periods, often corresponding to their sleep cycles (lasting 20–40 minutes).

Movements may feel different in the third trimester as space in the womb becomes limited, but they should remain regular.

When to Worry:

Movements are less frequent than usual during your baby’s active times.

Movements feel weaker or less forceful than normal.

Your baby’s usual pattern changes suddenly.

Debunking Common Myths About Movement

Myth: Drinking Something Cold Will Make Your Baby Move

This is a common suggestion, but it’s not supported by evidence. While eating or drinking may increase your awareness of movements, there’s no scientific proof that the temperature of the beverage has a direct effect on your baby’s activity.

Better Advice:

Lie on your side in a quiet space and focus on your baby’s movements.

If you’re concerned about reduced activity, don’t wait—contact your midwife or antenatal clinic immediately.

Source: The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) advises against relying on cold drinks or sugary snacks to prompt movements and instead recommends seeking professional advice for any concerns.

Special Considerations for High-Risk Pregnancies

If you have a high-risk pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes or preeclampsia, tracking movements is even more critical. Your antenatal care team may recommend additional scans or monitoring to ensure your baby’s well-being.

Discuss movement tracking with your healthcare provider to ensure you’re following the best approach for your specific needs.

How Antenatal Classes Can Help

Antenatal classes are an excellent resource for learning more about movement tracking and overall pregnancy care. These classes cover:

Recognising normal and abnormal movement patterns.

Techniques for relaxation and reducing anxiety about movements.

When and how to seek help if you’re concerned.

Search for “antenatal classes near me” or ask your midwife for recommendations.

UK Resources for Support

NHS Pregnancy Services: Comprehensive advice on movement tracking and antenatal care. Visit NHS Pregnancy Care

Tommy’s PregnancyHub: Expert guidance on baby movements and overall pregnancy health. Visit Tommy’s

Kicks Count: A UK-based charity dedicated to raising awareness about fetal movements. Visit Kicks Count

Final Thoughts: Trust Your Instincts

Tracking your baby’s antenatal movements is a powerful way to stay connected and ensure their well-being. By focusing on patterns rather than numbers, you’ll feel more confident about recognising what’s normal for your baby. If you ever feel unsure or notice changes in their movements, trust your instincts and reach out to your midwife or antenatal clinic.

Remember, every baby is different. The most important thing is staying aware of your baby’s unique activity and acting promptly if something doesn’t feel right. With the right tools and support, you can track your baby’s movements like a pro and enjoy the incredible journey of pregnancy.