Is it normal for baby movement to change day by day?

Yes, it's normal for your baby’s activity to vary slightly from day to day. However, you should still be able to recognise a regular pattern that suits your baby’s habits. Sudden or ongoing changes should be discussed with your doctor.

When should I start counting kicks during pregnancy?

Most doctors recommend starting kick counts at 28 weeks, or earlier if you are considered high-risk. This helps you notice your baby’s regular pattern and track any changes over time.

What if I feel fewer movements at night?

Some babies are more active at night, while others move more during the day. What matters is recognising your baby’s pattern and noting any major changes from that routine.

Baby Not Kicking Much? What It Means and When to Call a Doctor

Nothing is more reassuring, as an expecting parent than when you get the feeling that there is some movement within you. The small kicks, flutters, or rolls are indicators of an active baby who is growing in your womb. However, the situation might arise when the movements are infrequent or lack strength. This, of course, may cause you to feel nervous or insecure about what constitutes normal.

Considering whether a reduction in movement should raise concerns, this blog serves as a guide to what is normal, what a lesser movement may indicate, and when it's time to contact your doctor. Just remember that knowing your baby's movement patterns is one of the important methods for monitoring their health.

When Do You Usually Start Feeling Baby Movements?

Between 18 and 25 weeks of pregnancy, most women begin to feel the baby's movement. If this is your first pregnancy, it may take slightly longer to conceive. The initial feelings may be likened to flutters, bubbles, or gentle tapping. The baby's movement patterns tend to be more frequent during the later days of your pregnancy.

During the third trimester, you should be able to pick up a trend. You may notice increased movement when you eat, lie in bed at night, rest, or lie quietly. The pattern becomes a part of your relationship with your baby, helping you understand what is normal during pregnancy.

What Is Normal Baby Movement?

There is no exact number of kicks that is considered normal for every baby. Each baby develops their own pattern. Some are very active while others are more relaxed. What matters most is that you learn what is normal for your baby and stay aware of any changes.

You might hear about the "10 kicks in 2 hours" rule. This is a general guide that many doctors recommend once you reach the third trimester. If you do not feel 10 movements in two hours when your baby is normally active, it may be time to pay closer attention and inform your doctor.

Reasons Baby Might Move Less

There are times when baby movement naturally slows down, and it does not mean something is wrong. Here are a few reasons:

Your baby might be sleeping. Babies have sleep cycles even in the womb, usually lasting 20 to 40 minutes.
You may be distracted or busy, making it harder to notice the movements.
Your placenta may be located in the front of your uterus (anterior placenta), which can make it harder to feel the kicks.
As your baby grows, there is less space to move, so movements might feel different, but should still be noticeable.

When Should You Be Concerned?

You should always trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, don't hesitate to contact your healthcare provider. Pay attention to these warning signs:

You do not feel any movement for more than two hours during a time when your baby is usually active.
Your baby's movement suddenly changes from strong to very weak.
You notice a gradual decrease in movement over a day or more.

How to Monitor Baby Movements

Starting around 28 weeks, many doctors recommend doing daily "kick counts." Here is a simple way to do it:

Choose a time of day when your baby is usually active. After eating or drinking, something cold may help.
Sit or lie down in a quiet place on your left side.
Count each movement (kick, roll, jab, or flutter) until you reach 10.
If you do not get 10 movements within 2 hours, repeat the count later. If you still notice less movement, call your doctor.

What Will the Doctor Do if Movements Are Reduced?

If you report reduced movements, your doctor might perform one or more of the following tests:

Non-stress test (NST): This monitors your baby’s heartbeat and checks for reactions to movement.
Ultrasound: This helps to check your baby's growth, fluid levels, and movement.
Biophysical profile (BPP): This combines ultrasound and NST to provide a full picture of your baby’s health.

Can You Do Anything to Encourage Movement?

If you are unsure whether your baby is moving, try these tips to stimulate activity:

Drink a cold or sweet drink and lie down quietly.
Play music near your belly.
Gently press or tap your belly.
Take a walk and then lie down to see if movement increases.

It is natural to worry if your baby is not moving as much as they usually do. Most of the time, there is a harmless reason, like your baby being asleep or in a different position. However, sometimes reduced movement can be a sign that your baby needs assistance.

The most important thing you can do is to get to know your baby’s normal movement pattern. If you notice anything is different or incorrect, please contact your healthcare provider. You are the best person to notice changes in your baby, and your actions can make a real difference in keeping your pregnancy healthy and safe.

FAQs on Should You Be Concerned If Baby Isn’t Kicking Much?

Is it normal for baby movement to change day by day?
Yes, it's normal for your baby’s activity to vary slightly from day to day. However, you should still be able to recognise a regular pattern that suits your baby’s habits. Sudden or ongoing changes should be discussed with your doctor.
When should I start counting kicks during pregnancy?
Most doctors recommend starting kick counts at 28 weeks, or earlier if you are considered high-risk. This helps you notice your baby’s regular pattern and track any changes over time.
What if I feel fewer movements at night?
Some babies are more active at night, while others move more during the day. What matters is recognising your baby’s pattern and noting any major changes from that routine.