Get to know your baby’s movements

Feeling your baby's movements during pregnancy can be crucial for their health and survival. But many pregnant are unsure of what is normal and what is not. Here you can learn more about why it is so important to keep an eye on fetal movements and what to do if you notice a change.

Ingela Ågren

2 min read

Verified by Ingela Ågren

Certified Midwife

Get to know your baby’s movementsPhoto: Preggers

Being pregnant is an exciting and often overwhelming experience. But it is also a time when it is important to pay attention to your baby's health. An important aspect of this is feeling your baby's fetal movements. Fetal movements are an indicator that everything is as it should be, and a change in activity can signal a problem.

During pregnancy, your baby should be active all the time and move regularly. When it becomes crowded in the womb, its movement pattern may change, but it should still be active. If you notice a change in fetal movements, such as fewer or weaker movements, it can be a warning sign that something is not right.

A common misconception is that the fetus is resting and therefore moves less in the weeks before birth, but this is incorrect. If the fetus is not moving as it normally does, it may be because the placenta is not functioning properly and the fetus is not receiving enough nutrition. In such cases, suspicions must be taken seriously and quick action may be required to save the baby, often through cesarean section. That is why you must learn to recognize your baby's movement patterns during pregnancy.

Focus on fetal movements during the baby's waking periods and lie on your side, as this is when you will feel the movements best. If you notice a change in the movement pattern or if the movements become weaker, you should immediately contact the delivery ward. Do not wait until the next routine check-up or the next day if you are concerned. Remember that your instinct about how your baby seems is important and dare to trust it.

Every pregnant must receive proper information about fetal movements to reduce the risk of fetal death. By being attentive to your baby's activity and taking action quickly if you notice a change, you can help protect your baby's health and ensure safe delivery. So do not be afraid to contact your midwife or delivery ward if you have any worrying suspicions.

Ingela Ågren

Verified by Ingela Ågren

Certified Midwife

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