Help, I'm 20 weeks pregnant and need some advice
Published: 01:00, 07 November 2016
I'm 20 weeks pregnant and I've recently started feeling my baby move. Should I expect movement most of the time now, and should I be worried if I don't feel movement for a day?
Most women usually begin to feel their baby move between 16 and 24 weeks of pregnancy, but some won't become aware of movements until after this. Fetal movements can be described as anything from a kick, swish, flutter or roll. The type of movement may also change as your pregnancy progresses.
There's no set number of normal movements per day, but your baby should develop an individual pattern of movements that you'll become aware of as you get to know them. They will have sleep periods during which they will not move, but these rarely last longer than 90 minutes.
'A reduction in movements or a change in the pattern can sometimes be an important warning sign that a baby is unwell'
The number of movements tends to increase until 32 weeks of pregnancy and then stay about the same.
It's important to remember that you should continue to feel your baby move right up to the time you go into labour, and throughout labour too.
Feeling your baby move provides reassurance that they're well. A reduction in movements or a change in the pattern can sometimes be an important warning sign that a baby is unwell.
If you feel that your baby's movements have slowed down or stopped, you must not wait until the next day - contact your local maternity unit immediately. The midwives and doctors take reduced fetal movements very seriously and will fully investigate each episode to ensure your baby is well.
Trust your instincts, and never be afraid of being a nuisance.