As part of your prenatal care, we would like you to be aware of how often your baby is moving from approximately 36 weeks until birth. As you approach your delivery date, your baby’s movement may change in pattern from vigorous kicks to more subtle movements. However, your baby should continue to move normally, and the frequency of movement should not decrease.
For low-risk, healthy pregnancies, it is most important to be aware of what is normal for your baby and to discuss any concerns with the midwife. Remember that babies have sleep cycles, where movement is not felt, and that most often when pregnant people perceive a decrease in movement it is due to a busy schedule or maternal activity. Take the time each day to check in and feel that your baby is moving normally. If a period of time (4-6 hours) passes and you don’t feel the baby move:
• Eat or drink something, lay down and press gently on your belly.
• You will likely feel the baby move right away.
• You should feel 10 movements within 2 hours (you will probably feel more).
• If you feel nothing within 30 minutes, page the midwife on call.
• If you do not feel 10 movements within 2 hours, page the midwife on call.
• If at any time you are concerned about fetal movement, page the midwife on call.
If risk factors develop during pregnancy, the midwives may instruct you on how to perform more formal fetal kick counts, and recommend a schedule of monitoring.