Raising awareness and improving care for women with decreased fetal movements
Getting to know the pattern of your baby’s movements is important – it is a way your baby can tell you that they are well. There is no set number of normal movements. You should get to know your baby’s movements and what is normal for them.
You will start to feel your baby move between weeks 16 and 24 of pregnancy, regardless of where your placenta lies, and you should feel your baby’s movements right up until they are born, even during labour. A baby’s movements can be described as anything from a flutter or a kick, to a swish or a roll. If you are concerned about a change in your baby’s movements, contact your midwife or doctor immediately. You are not wasting their time.
"Movements Matter" public awareness campaign
Movements really do matter. Are you aware of your baby’s movements during pregnancy? Do you know what to do if you notice a change in your baby’s movements that concerns you? This website is here to help!
Clinical Practice Guideline: Care of women with Decreased Fetal Movements
This clinical guideline was produced by a multidisciplinary working group led by the Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia, under the auspices of the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Alliance (SANDA) of the Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand (PSANZ) in partnership with the Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth and the Stillbirth Foundation Australia.
This webinar was created by Safer Care Victoria in collaboration with the Stillbirth CRE. It covers current best practice in identifying and managing decreased fetal movements and details an upcoming campaign aimed at reducing stillbirth rates, and what it will mean for maternity services.
Video on the significance of decreased fetal movements
A baby moving during pregnancy can be anything from a flutter, kick, swish or roll and these are a sign that baby is well. When a baby is unwell, they may try to save energy by slowing down their movements. This can be the first sign of a problem.
This campaign is led by Tommy’s and supported by Kicks Count and NHS England. For more information click here.