# Your baby’s movements: never wait

> What’s normal, and when to call straight away

Category: Pregnancy & postpartum · 3 min read · Written by the Splash team · Sources checked October 2026
URL: https://splash.care/learn/pregnancy-postpartum/baby-movements

## Quick answer

- Learn your baby’s own pattern.
- Less or weaker movement, or none: call your maternity unit now, day or night.
- Never rely on a home doppler, and never wait until morning.

Most people first feel movements between 16 and 24 weeks. If it is your first baby you might not feel anything until after 20 weeks. If you have not felt your baby move by 24 weeks, tell your midwife. From then on, get to know your baby’s own pattern. There is no set number of kicks to count.

### When to see a doctor

If your baby is moving less than usual, the movements feel weaker, they have stopped, or you just feel something is wrong, call your maternity unit straight away, day or night. Do not wait until the next day or your next appointment. If you cannot reach them, call NHS 111. Calling is never a waste of anyone’s time.

## Good to know

- Movements should build until about 32 weeks, then stay roughly the same up to and during labour. It is a myth that babies move less near the end.
- Your baby may change position or be active at different times. That is fine. What matters is less movement, weaker movement or none.
- Do not use a home heartbeat monitor (doppler) to check. Hearing a heartbeat does not mean your baby is well.
- Do not try to make the baby move with a cold drink or sugar. Call instead.
- If your placenta is at the front, it can cushion kicks, but you should still feel regular movement.
- You are never wasting anyone’s time. If you are checked and told all is well, you should still call again next time.
- Save your maternity unit number in your phone now, so it’s there when you need it.

This advice can sound scary. The reason it is given is that reduced movements can be an early sign that a baby is unwell, and getting checked quickly gives the best chance of the right care. Most people who call about reduced movements go on to have healthy babies.

**Quick quiz:** Which is the right thing to do if you notice your baby moving less?

1. Count 10 kicks and wait until morning
2. Call your maternity unit straight away
3. Use a home doppler to check

Answer: Call your maternity unit straight away. The NHS, Tommy’s and the RCOG all say to call immediately. There is no set number of kicks, and home dopplers can be falsely reassuring.

> **Splash says:** the “Baby moving less?” button on your pregnancy page has your unit’s number, 111 and 999 in one place.

## Sources

1. [NHS: Your baby’s movements](https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/your-babys-movements/)
2. [Tommy’s: Baby movements in pregnancy](https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/pregnancy-symptom-checker/baby-fetal-movements)
3. [RCOG: Your baby’s movements in pregnancy](https://www.rcog.org.uk/for-the-public/browse-our-patient-information/your-babys-movements-in-pregnancy/)
4. [NICE NG201: Antenatal care](https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng201)

This is general information, not medical advice. Splash can’t diagnose. If you’re worried, talk to a GP, pharmacist or sexual health clinic. In an emergency call 999 (UK) or 911 (US).