Winnie's Arrival: Trusting Instincts and Monitoring Movement Proud mum Amelia's shares her journey of maternal intuition - and the importance of tracking fetal movements. During her first pregnancy, a routine scan showed her baby was smaller than usual at 32 weeks, and she began having weekly scans. By 35 weeks, she felt something just wasn't quite right with her baby's movements. This reduction prompted a hospital visit, and within 12 hours, her first baby arrived safely, surprising everyone with a "true knot" in the umbilical cord. Bravo mum and midwives! Her second pregnancy ran smoothly until, at 26 weeks, she noticed baby's movements were not in their normal pattern. She'd been using her Kicks Count wristband to recognise and monitor movement, so she quickly realised baby's movements had reduced.After multiple visits to the maternity unit, her baby was found to have interuterine growth restriction, a condition where a baby's growth slows or stops during pregnancy, also known as fetal growth restriction. There was also some damage to her placenta caused by a subchronic haematoma, first noticed during her 12-week scan. With great care, regular monitoring and continuing to keep a close eye on baby's movements, baby stayed safely put until 32 weeks, when Amelia was given steroids and gorgeous Winnie was safely delivered."Winnie required 4 weeks of NICU treatment, however, without the knowledge of movement monitoring and noticing the changes in her movements, the outcome may not have been the same." Amelia's experience resonates as a reminder for all expectant mothers: trust your instincts, keep tabs on your baby's movements and never underestimate the power of your intuition. I'm pregnant, when should I start to feel movement? All pregnancies are unique and when women feel movement for the first time varies. Most women usually start to feel their baby move between 16 and 24 weeks of pregnancy. You may feel your baby move as early as 16 weeks of pregnancy, especially if you've been pregnant before. If this is your first pregnancy, you may not notice your baby’s movements until you are more than 20 weeks pregnant. It can be slightly later if you have an anterior placenta. How often should my baby move? All babies are different! There is no set number of normal movements. From 16 – 24 weeks on you should feel your baby move more and more until 32 weeks. After 32 weeks, movements should stay roughly the same until you give birth. It's important to get to know your baby's regular pattern of movement. Our Kicks Count Wristbands can help you do this. What should I do if I notice reduced movement? If you think your baby’s movements have slowed down or stopped, contact your maternity unit immediately. Midwives and doctors are there to help you - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Don't put off calling until the next day or wait until your next scheduled appointment. Don't worry about phoning, it's important for your doctors and midwives to know if your baby’s movements have slowed down or stopped. They'll be happy to hear from you. Learn more Donate now Support stillbirth prevention. We aren't funded by the NHS or the government, we rely solely on your support - be there for us today, so we can be there for mothers and babies tomorrow. Please select a donation amount (required) £5 £10 £20 Other Set up a regular payment Donate Manage Cookie Preferences