Decreased Fetal Movements
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Try one of these related symptoms.
My baby isn't moving as much
I feel like my baby has stopped moving
About the Symptom
Fetal movements vary throughout the day, with some periods of more activity and some periods where the baby could be sleeping. If there is a change in pattern of movement or significant decrease in movement, this can be perceived by the mother. Fetal movements are typically felt after the first half of the pregnancy (after 20 weeks, "quickening"), and it is normal to not feel them earlier.
When to See a Doctor
Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms
- Decreased fetal movements
Related Serious Diseases
Sometimes, Decreased fetal movements may be related to these serious diseases:
- Non-Reassuring Fetal Status
This term describes a suspected lack of oxygen in the fetus during late pregnancy or labor. It can be diagnosed through fetal heart rate monitoring and ultrasound showing decreased fetal movement.
- Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome
- Eclampsia
- Threatened Preterm Labor
- HELLP Syndrome
- Placental Abruption
- Preeclampsia
- Chorioamnionitis
- Uterine Contractions
- Gestational Hypertension
Doctor's Diagnostic Questions
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:
- Is your child moving less?
Reviewed By:
Ravi P. Chokshi, MD (Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN), Critical Care)
Current Maternal Fetal Medicine Fellow with Dual board certification in Obstetrics & Gynecology and Critical Care Medicine. | 5+ years experience managing a general Ob/Gyn practice and working in the Intensive Care Unit. | Previously Physician Lead of a large single specialty practice with 8 Physicians and 10+ Advanced practitioners. | Member of the Society of Maternal Fetal Medicine Patient education committee. | Frequent Medscape Consult contributor.
Seiji Kanazawa, MD, PHD (Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN))
Dr. Kanazawa graduated from the Niigata University Faculty of Medicine and received his Ph.D. from the Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine. He is working on the front line of the General Perinatal Center, including the Tokyo Tama General Medical Center and the National Center for Research in Fertility Medicine, where he provides maternal and fetal care and undertakes clinical research. At Ubie, Dr. Kanazawa has been designing the Ubie AI Symptom Checker and has taken on the role of general obstetrics and gynecology consultation at FMC Tokyo Clinic by providing fetal ultrasound and prenatal consultation.
Content updated on Jan 29, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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- I feel my baby isn't moving as much
- I feel my baby is moving less
- My baby has stopped moving
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FAQs
Q.
Not Feeling Kicks? Why Your Anterior Placenta Is Muffling Movement & Next Steps
A.
An anterior placenta can muffle baby movements because it sits on the front of the uterus and acts like a cushion, so kicks may feel later, lighter, or off to the sides; this is often normal before 24 weeks, but by 28 weeks you should notice a consistent pattern. If movement drops from your baby’s usual pattern, you do not feel 10 movements in 2 hours, or you feel none after 28 weeks, lie on your left side and try a cold drink or snack, then contact your provider or go to labor and delivery immediately. There are several factors to consider and important details that can change your next steps, so see below for what is normal, how to count kicks, and when to seek urgent care.
References:
* McCarthy C, et al. Fetal movement perception in pregnant women with anterior placentas. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2017 Jan;30(1):86-90. doi: 10.1080/14767058.2016.1154063. Epub 2016 Feb 25. PMID: 26867768.
* Georgiou E, et al. Maternal perception of fetal movements - a systematic review. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2018 Jun;225:102-114. doi: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2018.04.020. Epub 2018 Apr 23. PMID: 29709848.
* Heazell AE, et al. Reduced Fetal Movement: What's the Best Way to Assess and Manage? Front Physiol. 2021 Mar 4;12:650720. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2021.650720. PMID: 33746726; PMCID: PMC7970891.
* Nordin J, et al. Placental Location and Its Impact on Maternal Perception of Fetal Movement: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Clin Med. 2023 Feb 1;12(3):1214. doi: 10.3390/jcm12031214. PMID: 36769741; PMCID: PMC9917307.
* Gordon A, et al. What do women want to know about fetal movements in pregnancy? A qualitative study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2021 Jul 26;21(1):511. doi: 10.1186/s12884-021-03975-x. PMID: 34311899; PMCID: PMC8311546.
Q.
Is your child’s health at risk? Why a pediatrician + medical next steps are vital.
A.
There are several factors to consider, and a pediatrician is vital for spotting urgent red flags like trouble breathing, high fever in very young infants, seizures, dehydration, or a rapidly spreading rash, and for directing clear medical next steps. Early care and regular well visits prevent complications, catch infections and developmental or mental health issues, and are crucial for children with chronic conditions, prematurity, or weaker immunity; for symptom checklists, preparation tips, and when to go to the ER, see the complete guidance below.
References:
* Reindollar, R. W., & Seid, M. (2012). Preventive services in pediatric primary care: past, present, and future. *Pediatric Clinics of North America*, 59(4), 921-931.
* Rydell, J., & American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Children With Disabilities. (2018). Developmental Surveillance and Screening of Infants and Young Children. *Pediatrics*, 141(3), e20180295.
* Alvidrez, J. A., et al. (2020). Association of Primary Care Access with Health Outcomes in Children with Asthma. *Academic Pediatrics*, 20(8), 1039-1045.
* Meissner, H. C., et al. (2018). Immunization Practice in Pediatric Primary Care. *Pediatrics*, 141(5), e20180296.
* Bhatia, R., & Baroni, E. D. (2021). Mental Health Screening in Pediatric Primary Care. *Pediatric Clinics of North America*, 68(2), 293-304.
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Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1References
Huecker BR, Jamil RT, Thistle J. Fetal Movement. [Updated 2023 Feb 5]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470566/Special Tests for Monitoring Fetal Well-Being
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/special-tests-for-monitoring-fetal-well-beingIndications for Outpatient Antenatal Fetal Surveillance
https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2021/06/indications-for-outpatient-antenatal-fetal-surveillance