What Should You Do If Your Baby's Movements Slow Down?
Call your provider, midwife or labor and delivery right away, day or night, if your baby moves less than usual. Do not wait until the next day or use a doppler.
Not yet medically reviewed. This article sums up published guidance from the sources at the end. It is not medical advice: follow your own midwife or doctor.
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A baby who is not well may move less. That is why a drop in movements needs checking quickly. The earlier a problem is found, the earlier you and your baby can get the right care.
What counts as a change
There is no specific number of movements to aim for. What matters is a change from how your baby usually moves. If your provider has asked you to do kick counts, follow what they told you about when to call. Call too if you notice a change, whatever the count.
Do not rely on a home doppler
Do not use a home doppler or heartbeat listening kit instead of calling. These devices are meant for trained health professionals. They cannot reliably tell you how your baby is, and you may hear a heartbeat even when your baby is unwell.
What happens when you call
Your provider may check your baby with tests such as a nonstress test. It records your baby's heart rate as they move, usually for at least 20 minutes.
If you are unsure or worried, call. You do not need to be certain before you call, and you can call each time you notice a change.
Using the kick counter
If you notice a change, call first. Do not start a counting session to decide whether to call. Your saved sessions can help you describe what you noticed, but counting here does not replace a check.
Sources
- NHSYour baby's movements
- NHSSigns that labour has begun
- CDCUrgent Maternal Warning Signs and Symptoms
- ACOGHow to Tell When Labor Begins
- ACOGSpecial Tests for Monitoring Fetal Well-Being
- FDAUltrasound Imaging
Last checked .
Written by the MyPregnancy editorial team from the sources above.
