Decreased Fetal Movement: When to Worry and What to Do
Noticing a change in your baby's movement can be unsettling. If you've been tracking kicks and suddenly feel less activity than usual, you're not alone — decreased fetal movement is one of the most common concerns expectant parents bring to their healthcare providers. The good news is that in many cases, reduced fetal movement has a simple explanation. But it's always worth paying attention to.
This guide covers the common causes of decreased fetal movement, what's normal at each stage of pregnancy, and clear guidance on when to contact your doctor.
Important: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are concerned about your baby's movement at any point, contact your healthcare provider immediately. When in doubt, always call.
What Is Decreased Fetal Movement?
Decreased fetal movement means your baby is moving less than what has become their normal pattern. It doesn't necessarily mean something is wrong — but it does mean you should pay attention.
Most healthcare providers define it as fewer than 10 movements within 2 hours during a dedicated kick counting session, or a noticeable change from your baby's established routine. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), tracking fetal movement is one of the simplest ways expectant parents can monitor their baby's well-being at home.
The key word here is pattern. Every baby has their own rhythm. Some babies are naturally more active than others. What matters most is a significant change from what's normal for your baby.
Common Causes of Reduced Fetal Movement
Several everyday factors can cause a temporary decrease in how much you feel your baby move. Here are the most common reasons:
Your Baby Is Sleeping
Babies in the womb sleep in cycles of 20 to 40 minutes, and sometimes up to 90 minutes. During deep sleep, you won't feel movement. This is completely normal and is the most frequent reason for short quiet periods.
Your Activity Level
When you're up and moving, the rocking motion can lull your baby to sleep. Many parents notice more movement when they sit or lie down — which is why kick counting sessions are done at rest.
Placenta Position
An anterior placenta (positioned at the front of your uterus) acts as a cushion between your baby and your belly wall. This can muffle movements and make kicks feel less intense, especially earlier in the third trimester.
Time of Day
Most babies have predictable active and quiet periods. Many are most active in the evening between 9 PM and 1 AM, according to research published in PLOS ONE. If you're counting at a typically quiet time, you may notice less activity.
Less Room to Move
As your baby grows in the third trimester, the uterus gets more crowded. You may feel fewer big kicks and more rolls, stretches, and pushes. The type of movement changes, but you should still feel consistent activity every day.
Decreased Fetal Movement by Week
What counts as normal fetal movement shifts as your pregnancy progresses. Here's what to expect in the later weeks.
Weeks 28–32: Establishing a Pattern
This is when most healthcare providers recommend starting daily kick counts. Your baby's movements become more predictable, and you'll start to learn their unique schedule. At this stage, you might feel 15 to 20 movements per hour during active periods.
Weeks 33–36: Stronger but Tighter
Kicks feel stronger but may be less sweeping as space gets tighter. You should still feel regular, consistent movement throughout the day. A noticeable drop from your baby's pattern at this stage is worth a call to your provider.
Decreased Fetal Movement at 37 Weeks
At 37 weeks, your baby is considered early term and is running low on room. Many parents worry about less fetal movement at 37 weeks, but some reduction in dramatic kicks is expected. You should still feel your baby move regularly — at least 10 movements in 2 hours during a kick count session. If you can't reach that threshold, contact your provider.
Decreased Fetal Movement at 38 Weeks
Decreased fetal movement at 38 weeks follows a similar pattern. Your baby may be settling into a head-down position in preparation for birth. Movements might feel more like pressure, stretching, or rolling rather than sharp kicks. But the overall frequency of movement should remain steady.
What's concerning at 38 weeks:
- Fewer than 10 movements in a 2-hour window
- A sudden, significant drop from your baby's normal activity
- No movement at all for several hours during a time when your baby is usually active
If any of these apply, don't wait — call your healthcare provider or go to your hospital's labor and delivery unit.
When to Call Your Doctor
Knowing when to go to the hospital for decreased fetal movement can save valuable time. Here are clear signs that warrant immediate medical attention:
- Fewer than 10 movements in 2 hours during a focused kick counting session
- A sudden change from your baby's normal movement pattern
- No movement for an extended period (several hours) during your baby's usual active time
- Decreased movement combined with other symptoms like bleeding, cramping, or leaking fluid
When you call your provider, they may ask you to:
- Try a kick count session after drinking cold water or eating a snack
- Lie on your left side and focus on counting for up to 2 hours
- Come in for a non-stress test (NST) to monitor your baby's heart rate
Remember: Healthcare providers would rather hear from you and reassure you than have you wait at home worrying. There is no such thing as calling too often about your baby's movement.
How to Track Fetal Movement
Regular kick counting is the best way to establish your baby's normal pattern — so you'll notice any changes quickly.
Here's the basic approach:
- Pick a consistent time when your baby is usually active
- Sit or lie on your left side in a comfortable position
- Count any movement — kicks, rolls, jabs, stretches, or flutters
- Note how long it takes to reach 10 movements
- Track your sessions over time to spot trends
Using a dedicated app like TinyKicks makes this easy. You can log each session with a single tap, see your history at a glance, and share your records with your care team at prenatal visits.
For a complete walkthrough, see our guide on 10 tips for tracking baby kicks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many kicks should I feel per hour?
During active periods, most babies move 15 to 20 times per hour. During a dedicated kick counting session, you should feel at least 10 movements within 2 hours. If your baby doesn't reach 10 in that window, try again after a snack or cold drink. If the count is still low, contact your healthcare provider.
Does reduced fetal movement always mean something is wrong?
No. Reduced fetal movement has many common, harmless causes — your baby might be sleeping, you might have an anterior placenta, or you might be counting during a naturally quiet period. However, a persistent or significant change from your baby's pattern should always be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Should I go to the hospital for decreased fetal movement?
If you've tried a kick counting session (resting on your left side for up to 2 hours after a snack) and your baby hasn't reached 10 movements, contact your provider or go to labor and delivery. Trust your instincts — if something feels wrong, it's always better to get checked.
Do babies move less at the end of pregnancy?
The type of movement often changes in the final weeks — fewer big kicks and more rolls and stretches — but the overall frequency should stay consistent. You should feel regular movement every day right up until delivery. A significant decrease in movement at any point in the third trimester should be reported to your provider.
Do hiccups count as fetal movement?
Hiccups are generally not included in kick counts because they're involuntary rhythmic movements, not deliberate activity. Focus on counting kicks, rolls, jabs, and stretches instead.
Decreased fetal movement is understandably worrying, but staying informed and tracking your baby's kicks daily is one of the most proactive steps you can take. By knowing your baby's unique pattern, you'll be the first to notice if something changes — and that awareness can make all the difference.
Start tracking your baby's movements today with TinyKicks — a simple, free kick counter designed to give you peace of mind throughout your pregnancy.
