Know your baby's movements: three things every mum should remember

Chiamaka had been busy all day: a long shift, shopping on the way home, dinner for the family. It was not until she lay down at ten o'clock that she realised she could not remember feeling her baby kick since lunchtime. She lay on her side, waited, and felt only small, faint movements. She almost decided to sleep on it. Instead she called the maternity unit. They asked her to come in, monitored her baby, and kept an eye on them both. She later said, I was so glad I did not wait until morning.

In the third trimester, your baby's movements are one of the most important ways to know how they are doing. Here are three things to remember, and to tell any pregnant friend you love.

1. Get to know your baby's normal pattern

Every baby is different. Some are busy in the evenings, some after meals, some when you finally lie down. Movements may be kicks, rolls, swishes, stretches or jabs. Rather than counting to a set number, health services encourage you to notice what is normal for your baby: how often they move, how strongly and at what times of day.

• Take a few minutes each day, especially when your baby is usually active, to focus on the movements.
• Notice the type of movements, not only the number.
• If you are often busy, set a gentle reminder to check in with your baby.

2. Babies do not move less towards the end of pregnancy

This is one of the most important facts in pregnancy, and a myth that still circulates. As your baby grows and space gets tighter, the type of movement may change, with more rolls and pushes and fewer sharp kicks. But your baby should keep moving right up to and during labour. If someone tells you that babies slow down before birth because they run out of room, gently set that aside. A real reduction in movements needs checking.

3. If movements change, call straight away

If your baby is moving less than usual, more weakly, differently, or you cannot feel them moving at all, contact your midwife or maternity unit immediately, day or night. Do not:

• wait until the next day or your next appointment
• try to make your baby move with cold drinks, sweet foods or prodding before calling
• use a home heartbeat monitor or app to reassure yourself; hearing a heartbeat does not mean your baby is well
• worry that you are wasting anyone's time

When you go in, your baby's heartbeat will usually be monitored and other checks may be done. Most women are reassured and go home. If your baby's movements reduce again later, call again, every time.

Other signs to act on in the third trimester

Call your midwife, maternity unit or doctor straight away if you have:

• any vaginal bleeding
• fluid leaking from your vagina, or your waters breaking
• a severe headache that does not go away, blurred vision or flashing lights
• sudden swelling of your face, hands or feet
• pain just below your ribs, especially on the right
• intense itching, especially on your hands and feet
• regular tightenings or pains before 37 weeks
• a fever, or feeling very unwell

Save your maternity unit's number in your phone and make sure your husband, partner or a trusted friend has it too.

The One who never sleeps

Paying attention to movements can sometimes make anxious mums more anxious. If that is you, remember that you are not the only one watching. Psalm 121 is a song for travellers, and it promises:

“He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.” (Psalm 121:3)

God does not slumber. While you sleep, while you work, while you rest, He keeps watch over you and your child. Your job is not to watch every second in fear, but to notice your baby with love, act quickly if something changes, and leave the rest in hands that never tire.

Tonight, try lying on your side for a few quiet minutes, one hand on your bump, simply getting to know your baby. That small habit is an act of care.

A prayer as I notice your movements

Lord, You never sleep, and You keep my baby and me day and night. Help me to know my baby's ways, to notice when something changes, and to have courage to call for help without delay. Replace my fear with trust, and keep us both safe. Amen.