If a baby is not moving, the recommended waiting time depends on the stage of the pregnancy:
- Before 24 weeks pregnant: If no movement is felt by 24 weeks, contact a midwife or maternity unit immediately for a check, including the baby's heartbeat. Do not wait beyond 24 weeks without feeling movement.
- From 24 to 26 weeks pregnant: Contact the local maternity unit immediately without waiting. An immediate check including heartbeat monitoring will be done.
- After 26 weeks pregnant: Contact the maternity unit immediately if baby movements are reduced or absent. Checks on heartbeat, ultrasound scans, and continuous monitoring will be performed. Do not wait until the next day or the next appointment.
For general fetal movement monitoring after about 28 weeks, it is advised to monitor and feel at least 10 movements within two hours. If 10 movements are not felt in two hours, try to wake the baby with gentle stimulation and try again shortly after. If still no movement, contact the healthcare provider immediately. In summary, if the baby is not moving or movement has significantly reduced, it is important to seek medical advice without delay—waiting two hours without any movement warrants immediate contact with healthcare services after 26 weeks of pregnancy.
