One of the most exciting things about your pregnancy is going to the regular ultrasound scans to see your baby. You may look forward to seeing your baby wiggle or kick around in the womb during the scan. However, they may also appear quiet, which can make you think of the worst. But the truth is, a quiet baby is normal. They also have calm moments just like adults. Understanding the reasons for this behaviour can help you respond more effectively in such situations.
In this article:
Why Might Your Baby Look Quiet During a Scan?
Ultrasound scans show only a brief time of your baby’s entire day. So, your baby may be just resting when you go for a scan. You may be surprised to learn that babies sleep up to 90-95% of the time in the second and third trimesters. Your baby may appear quiet due to the following reasons:- Babies have several short sleep cycles, so some may last 20–40 minutes.
- If your baby is turned toward your back, it may be hard to see their movements.
- Changing your position can also help the sonographer see better in some cases.
- An anterior placenta can make movements look softer on screen.
Does a Quiet Baby Mean Something Is Wrong?
A quiet baby on a single scan is not a concerning problem in the majority of cases. However, the baby may be quiet for several other reasons.- Low amniotic fluid
- Reduced foetal growth
- Placental issues
- Reduced oxygen supply
How Do Doctors Check If Everything Is Normal?
- Heart rate and rhythm – Normal is around 110–160 beats per minute.
- Growth parameters – They measure head circumference, abdominal circumference, and femoral length.
- Blood flow through the umbilical cord – They check it through a Doppler scan.
- Amniotic fluid level – Too low or too high can change the baby’s movements.
What Factors Can Make Your Baby Less Active on Scan Day?
Several other factors also affect the way your baby moves.1. What You Ate Before The Scan
Your baby may be quieter if you have not eaten for a long time. A small snack or drink may wake them up.2. Your Stress or Tiredness
Your body produces hormones during stress that can affect your baby’s movement. So, it is crucial to have a clear emotional and physical state.3. Time of the Day
Babies are more active at night and may feel sleepy during morning scans.4. Baby’s Growth Phase
Babies settle into more predictable sleep–wake patterns around 28–32 weeks, leading to longer quiet phases.When Should You Be Concerned About Reduced Baby Movements?
- You feel reduced kicks or movements for several hours.
- You notice the movements suddenly feel less.
- You have preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or placenta issues.
- You experience severe pain, bleeding, or dizziness.
- Less than 6 movements in 12 hours needs evaluation by ultrasound and obstetric review (USG OBS). 6 movements are considered a critical threshold and must not be ignored.
What Can You Do If Your Baby Looks Quiet During a Scan?
Here are a few tips that may help your baby move during a scan:- Try changing your position
- Have a glass of cold water
- Eat a light snack 20–30 minutes before the scan
- Take slow and deep breaths to relax your body
How Can You Stay Emotionally Calm During This Experience?
It is natural to worry about your baby after your doctor mentions that they are quiet, but remember the following things:- Your baby’s movement changes throughout the day.
- A scan captures only a tiny duration of their activity.
- Most babies who appear quiet during a scan are completely healthy.
What Does a Normal Movement Pattern Look Like Later in Pregnancy?
Look for the following aspects in the third trimester:- 10 or more movements within 2 hours when the baby is active.
- A regular pattern of kicks, rolls, or stretches.
- Stronger and more defined movements as your baby grows.
- Daily Foetal Kick Count (DFKC) after 32 weeks is recommended, but it is considered a crude method for monitoring fetal well-being.
What Should You Do Next? A Simple Checklist
- Track your baby’s daily movement pattern.
- Eat well and rest enough to keep your energy steady.
- Schedule regular prenatal visits.
- Note any unusual or sudden drop in movement.
- Ask your doctor if you need additional monitoring.
- Keep communication open with your partner.
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FAQs on What a “Quiet Baby” on a Scan Actually Means?
- Why does my baby sometimes stay in the same position throughout the scan?
Some babies find a comfortable spot and stay there for long periods. This is normal and doesn’t indicate any problem — it simply reflects their natural resting or sleeping pattern. - Can the ultrasound itself make my baby move?
Sometimes, yes. The slight pressure of the probe or the sound waves can gently nudge the baby, leading to small stretches or shifts. This is safe and expected. - Do scan timings affect how active my baby appears?
Absolutely. Just like adults have active and sleepy hours, babies follow their own rhythm. A scan done during their usual “sleep window” may show less movement, even if they’re active at other times of the day.