The closer the due date, the less my baby moves

What Do Typical Fetal Movements Feel Like?

Fetal movement is often defined as any movement you feel in your womb, such as a kick, flutter, swish, or roll. As the fetus develops throughout the pregnancy, the severity and frequency of this will alter. The action can also resemble subtle early sensations described in the first fetal movements. A healthy fetus will also occasionally rest throughout the day, so try not to expect continuous movement.

Why Fetal Movements Matter

The earliest and most fundamental type of fetal monitoring is being aware of movement patterns, and it remains just as important today. Noticing changes can sometimes give early insight into overall wellbeing.

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I inquire about fetal activity at every prenatal appointment starting in the second trimester. It's crucial to pay attention to any decrease in fetal movement since it may indicate a bad change in the pregnancy.

Your doctor may decide to perform essential testing in response to decreased movements, which could benefit both you and the fetus. These evaluations become especially relevant in the later stages of pregnancy, often covered in the third-trimester week-by-week changes.

When Do You Start Feeling Fetal Movements?

Pregnant women typically become aware of their baby's movements between weeks 16 and 20 of their pregnancy. This awareness becomes stronger over time. Fetal movement tends to plateau later on, but it shouldn't decline.

Most people begin noticing movement no later than 24 weeks, though this can vary. As pregnancy progresses, the quality of movement may shift, but daily sensations should continue. These differences often align with wider body changes found in the third trimester.

What Causes Decreased Fetal Movements?

It's difficult to determine whether the fetus is sick without more testing, although there are a number of explanations for decreased fetal movement. Typical non-concerning reasons include:

• The fetus is sleeping — short quiet periods of 20–40 minutes are normal
• A pregnant person’s mobility and exercise pattern — activity can temporarily soothe or lull the fetus
• More serious causes of reduced fetal movement include:
• Placental abnormalities or placental insufficiency
• Stillbirth

Insufficient or excessive amniotic fluid might also result in less fetal movement. Low levels may indicate placental issues, whereas high levels can require further evaluation. These scenarios sometimes appear alongside other patterns like training bouts, where the uterus practices tightening.

Reduced fetal movement can result in cesarean delivery, induction of labor, or NICU hospitalization. However, research shows that many people who experience a temporary decrease still go on to deliver healthy babies.

Ways To Monitor Fetal Movements at Home

The good news is that you can track the fetus's activity at home without the need for expensive medical equipment. A commonly recommended technique is kick counting.

Being familiar with your baby's typical patterns is helpful and may signal when something needs attention.

The popular “count to ten” technique can be done at home:

• Choose a time when the fetus is most active (often in the evening after meals)
• Sit with your feet up or lie on your side
• Count every kick, roll, or jab until you reach ten

Ways to Encourage Fetal Movement

There are a few strategies you can use at home to promote fetal activity, but check with your doctor first. Anything that feels unusual should always be discussed promptly.

• Have a glass of juice or a snack — a rise in blood sugar can sometimes stimulate movement
• A short session of gentle activity — low-impact movement may wake a sleeping baby
• Massage or rub your belly — gentle touch can bring awareness to the area
• Make some noise — everyday sounds may prompt a reaction

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When to Call a Health Care Provider

When something feels different from your usual pattern, that’s when you should pause and take action. Many pregnant women develop a strong sense of what their baby's daily movements normally feel like, even if they’re busy and don’t always track them intentionally.

Pause, rest, and count if you sense that the movement is different or less frequent. Contact your healthcare provider if you do not experience ten movements within two hours. Consider the pattern and strength as well as the number.

Taking time to lie down quietly and refocus on your baby’s movements can often help. Your attention may settle more easily with grounding techniques such as simple mindfulness exercises. If you still feel unsure, contact your provider.

Emotional worry during this time is normal, and supportive tools like AI for mental health can help you stay calm while monitoring your baby’s wellbeing.