Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Feeling your baby move is a sign they are well.
- Most women feel their baby move between 16 and 24 weeks of pregnancy.
- Movements can feel like a kick, flutter, swish, or roll.
- The type of movement may change as your pregnancy goes on.
- There is no set number of movements.
- Every baby has their own pattern – get to know yours.
- It is NOT TRUE that babies move less at the end of pregnancy.
- You should keep feeling movements until birth and even during labour.
Your baby’s movements are a sign they are healthy.
If movements slow down or stop, it can be a warning that your baby is not well.
Around half of women who had babies that were stillborn noticed that their baby’s movements had slowed down or stopped first. This is why it’s very important to call your midwife or hospital straight away if you notice any change.
Don’t use hand-held monitors, Dopplers, or phone apps to listen to your baby’s heartbeat.
Even if you hear a heartbeat, it does not mean your baby is healthy.
- Do not wait to see what happens.
- Call your midwife or hospital straight away.
- Do not worry about phoning – it is important for doctors and midwives to know if your baby’s movements have slowed down or stopped.
If, after your check-up, you still feel worried about your baby’s movements, call your midwife or maternity unit straight away – even if everything was normal last time. Always call your midwife or the maternity unit if you are worried. Don’t wait – it doesn’t matter how many times you need to call.
If you want to know more about your baby’s movements, ask your midwife.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Maternity service.
About this information
Service:
Maternity
Reference:
M/055
Approval date:
1 March 2026
Review date:
1 March 2029
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.