Movement in the womb

Babies start moving by about the seventh week of pregnancy, but mothers do not consistently feel these movements until about the 20th week. After that, the fetus has progressively coordinated, vigorous movements, often many times each hour.

Fetal movement slows toward term because the fetus has less room within which to move. However, fetal movements should never abruptly decrease for more than an hour or two. Babies sleep in the womb, and when they do, their movements decrease. When your baby awakens, the movements should resume.

An abrupt, persistent decrease in fetal movement signals problems. Mothers should tell their doctors or midwives about any decrease in the normal pattern of fetal movement. This is especially true if their baby has growth restriction or if there are maternal complications such as diabetes, high blood pressure or vaginal bleeding.

If fetal movement decreases for more than two or three hours, you should call your doctor immediately.