Baby movements during pregnancy

You will usually start to feel your baby moving by week 20 of your pregnancy (or earlier if this is not your first pregnancy). Movements should become regular by week 28 of pregnancy, and are a sign that your baby is healthy and well.

The location of your placenta may impact the way you feel your baby move. With an anterior placenta (the placenta grows on the front side of your uterus) movement tends to be felt at around 20 weeks of pregnancy and may not feel as strong. With a posterior placenta (the placenta grows on the back side of your uterus), movements are often felt earlier in the pregnancy and may feel stronger. It is more common to feel your baby move earlier if this is your second or later pregnancy.

Every baby is unique, so it is important for you to get to know your baby’s individual movement pattern. At any point, if you are concerned about your baby's movement pattern or notice a decrease in their movements, contact your midwife, hospital birth unit or doctor immediately. Do not wait until the next day. If you are not able to reach your maternity care provider, please go to your nearest hospital birthing or emergency unit.

The type of movement you feel will depend on what your baby is doing and their stage of growth and development. Each baby is different, and some are more active than others.

The first movements you feel are often described as fluttering (like 'butterflies in your tummy'), bubbling, swishing, rolling, tumbling or tiny kicks. These early sensations are also called ‘quickening’. As your pregnancy continues, the movements will become more noticeable. You will feel your baby’s kicks, jabs and stretches more easily.

There is no set number of movements you should feel. As you start to feel your baby's movements more consistently, usually by 28 weeks of pregnancy, you will get to know what a normal pattern of movement is for your baby. You should then regularly feel your baby's movements right up until they are born and even during labour.

Babies tend to move more at certain times of day — they may be more active while you sleep, and sleep while you’re awake. Usually, unborn babies sleep for 20 to 40 minute cycles (occasionally up to 90 minutes), and they don’t move when they’re asleep.

There is no set number of movements a baby should have, so counting kicks or recording them on a chart is no longer recommended.

It is important to make time regularly each day to notice your baby's movements. If you are busy or not paying attention, it can be easy to miss this very important signal from your baby. If you are working or caught up in other tasks, it may be helpful to set reminders for yourself to check in with your baby.

Is it true that my baby will move less towards the end of my pregnancy?
No, healthy babies continue to move every day right up until they are born.

Is it true that I can make my baby move?
No, having something to eat or drink does not help stimulate your baby to move.

Can I use an app or baby home heart monitor to listen to my baby's heartbeat?
No, you shouldn’t rely on home heart rate monitors (known as doppler devices) or any phone apps that claim to monitor your baby’s heart rate. These monitors are not accurate or reliable and can give you a false sense of reassurance. Only a health professional who has had special training can accurately assess your baby’s heart rate and check if they are well.

Remember, you are the one who knows your baby’s movements best. It is important that whenever you are concerned about your baby’s movements, you contact your doctor, hospital birth unit or midwife. You are not wasting their time and it is important to have your baby checked. Do not wait until the next day or your next appointment.

Contact your doctor, hospital birth unit or midwife again even if you have already seen them about your baby’s movements previously.

Safer Baby has support available on having a safe pregnancy, including a resource called #MovementMatters.

Red Nose Australia has a website with information about baby movements during pregnancy.

Languages other than English

Safer Baby has a range of resources available in many community languages.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

Stronger Bubba Born has information available for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, including information on Bubba’s Movements Matter.

Tiny Feet, Big Journeys is a booklet developed for pregnant Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples and includes information on baby movements. 

Strong Women Strong Babies has a diary that gives you information on how to look after yourself and your baby during pregnancy and in the weeks after birth.

Information for sexually and gender-diverse families

Rainbow Families has a flyer available on perinatal care options for sexually and gender-diverse families.