When Should You Worry About Decreased Antenatal Movements?

Feeling your baby’s movements is one of the most reassuring and exciting aspects of pregnancy. Each kick, roll, or flutter is a reminder that your baby is growing and thriving. But what happens when those movements seem less frequent or stop altogether? It’s natural to worry, but understanding when decreased antenatal movements are a cause for concern—and what to do about it—can help you take the right steps for your baby’s well-being.

This guide provides evidence-based advice on recognising decreased movements, what they could mean, and when to seek help.

Why Are Antenatal Movements Important?

Your baby’s movements are a vital sign of their health. Each kick, stretch, and wiggle is evidence that they are receiving enough oxygen and nutrients through the placenta. Monitoring movements helps you recognise your baby’s unique activity pattern and identify changes that might signal a problem.

According to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), reduced or absent movements can sometimes indicate that a baby is not thriving, making it crucial to act promptly if you notice changes.

What Are Decreased Antenatal Movements?

Decreased antenatal movements refer to a reduction in the frequency, strength, or pattern of your baby’s usual activity. Every baby is different, so the key is understanding what’s normal for your little one.

Signs of Decreased Movements:

Fewer movements during your baby’s usual active periods.

Movements that feel weaker or less forceful than usual.

A sudden stop in movements after a period of increased activity.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to trust your instincts and contact your healthcare provider.

What’s Normal and What’s Not?

Normal Variations in Movements:

Sleep Cycles: Babies have sleep cycles that can last up to 40 minutes. During this time, you may not feel movements.

Position: Your baby’s position in the womb can make movements feel lighter or harder to detect.

Gestational Age: In the third trimester, movements may feel less sharp as your baby has less room to kick but should still occur regularly.

When to Worry:

If you notice a significant change in your baby’s usual movement pattern, or if movements stop altogether, it’s time to seek help. Reduced movements can sometimes indicate issues like reduced oxygen or nutrients reaching the baby.

Source: The NHS advises contacting your midwife or antenatal clinic immediately if you notice reduced movements after 28 weeks.

What Causes Decreased Movements?

Several factors can contribute to reduced movements, and not all of them indicate a problem. However, it’s essential to understand the potential causes.

Benign Causes:

Baby’s Sleep Cycle: Periods of quiet are normal when your baby is resting.

Placental Position: An anterior placenta can make movements feel less pronounced.

Concerning Causes:

Reduced Oxygen or Nutrient Supply: Issues with the placenta or umbilical cord can impact your baby’s activity.

Medical Conditions: Conditions like preeclampsia or gestational diabetes can sometimes affect movements.

Premature Labour: Decreased movements can be an early sign of labour complications.

Source: Tommy’s PregnancyHub explains that while decreased movements are often harmless, they should always be checked to rule out potential complications.

What Should You Do If You Notice Decreased Movements?

If you’re concerned about your baby’s movements, follow these steps:

Find a Quiet Space: Lie on your left side in a calm environment where you can focus on your baby’s activity.

Have a Snack or Drink: While the idea of a cold drink prompting movement is a myth, eating or drinking something may make you more aware of movements.

Count Movements: Track how long it takes to feel 10 movements, such as kicks, rolls, or stretches. Most babies will move 10 times within two hours.

If you still don’t feel movements or notice a significant decrease, contact your midwife or antenatal clinic immediately.

When to Seek Help

Reduced movements are a reason to seek medical advice, especially if:

You notice fewer movements than usual.

Movements feel weaker or less forceful.

Movements stop completely.

It’s important to act promptly. The NHS advises against waiting until the next day or your next antenatal appointment to raise concerns. Early intervention can make a significant difference.

How Are Decreased Movements Assessed?

When you report reduced movements, your healthcare provider will assess your baby’s well-being using several methods:

Common Tests:

Listening to the Baby’s Heartbeat: Using a handheld Doppler device.

Ultrasound Scan: To check your baby’s movements, growth, and the condition of the placenta.

CTG Monitoring: A cardiotocograph (CTG) monitors your baby’s heartbeat and movement patterns over time.

These tests help determine whether your baby is thriving or needs additional support.

How to Reduce Your Risk of Decreased Movements

While you can’t control all factors, there are steps you can take to promote your baby’s health and ensure regular movements.

Tips for Supporting Movements:

Stay Active: Activities like walking or antenatal yoga improve circulation, which benefits your baby.

Eat a Balanced Diet: Proper nutrition supports your baby’s growth and activity levels.

Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can sometimes lead to reduced movements.

Regular antenatal appointments are crucial for monitoring your baby’s health and identifying any potential issues early.

Supporting Mums-to-Be: The Role of Antenatal Classes

Antenatal classes are a great way to learn more about your baby’s movements and overall pregnancy care. They often cover:

How to monitor movements effectively.

What to do if you’re concerned about changes.

Relaxation techniques, such as antenatal massage, to reduce anxiety about movement patterns.

Look for antenatal classes near you or ask your midwife for local options.

Special Considerations for High-Risk Pregnancies

If you have a high-risk pregnancy, such as preeclampsia or multiple pregnancies, your healthcare provider may recommend additional monitoring. This could include more frequent ultrasounds or specialised tests to ensure your baby is thriving.

UK Resources for Antenatal Support

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

Tommy’s PregnancyHub: Offers guidance on reduced movements and 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

Understanding your baby’s antenatal movements is one of the best ways to ensure their well-being. While changes in activity are not always cause for alarm, they should never be ignored. Trust your instincts—if something feels off, seek advice immediately.

By staying aware of your baby’s movements and attending regular antenatal checkups, you can feel confident that you’re doing everything possible to support their health and prepare for their arrival.