Getting to know your baby's pattern: hiccups in the womb and reduced movements

The time you start to feel your baby move is one of the loveliest and most eagerly awaited parts of pregnancy. Over time you will notice that these movements have a rhythm. For when movements are felt and for kick counting, see “When are baby movements felt?” in the guide; here we focus on getting to know your own baby's pattern.

Every baby has its own pattern

Babies have sleep and wake cycles in the womb too. Some are livelier in the morning, others in the evening. The pattern differs from baby to baby; what matters is that you learn what is “usual” for your baby. As weeks go by, the type of movement can change: kicks, turns, pushes and rolls.

When do you feel more movement?

• When you rest, especially lying down in the evening.
• After a meal, when blood sugar changes.
• When you are still and paying attention to your belly.
• Walking can rock the baby to sleep, and stopping may wake them.

During sleep phases the baby may stay quiet for a while; this is often just a normal sleep phase.

How do hiccups feel?

Hiccups, especially in the second half of pregnancy, feel like light, rhythmic jumps repeating at regular intervals in your belly. They may last a few minutes or a little longer and pass by themselves. They are thought to relate to the baby practising with its breathing muscles. Most babies do it from time to time and it is usually not a sign of a problem. Do not count rhythmic hiccups as kicks; following the baby's own deliberate movements needs a separate approach.

Practical steps to learn the pattern

1. For a few days, note the times your baby is most active.
2. Take mental note of the type and strength of movements, so a change is easier to spot.
3. Take a few calm moments each day to focus on your belly.
4. You can use the kick counter in the app to keep track.
5. Do not compare the pattern with other babies.

If movements reduce

If you notice a clear reduction or change in your baby's usual pattern, do not wait. Instead of trying to eat, drink or sleep and “wait a little”, contact your doctor or maternity unit the same day. Night time is no obstacle. Sources such as RCOG and NHS also advise assessment without delay when movements reduce. This is not an alarm but the safe way: most of the time all is well, but a doctor needs to check.

What happens in the third trimester?

In the last weeks space gets tight, so movements may feel different, more like rolling or pushing. They should not reduce, however. For monitoring at this stage, see “NST and third trimester monitoring”.

Who feels movements differently?

If this is your first pregnancy, recognising movements can take a while; those who have been pregnant before tend to know what it is sooner. Body build, a placenta at the front and the baby's position can change how strong the feeling is. So go by your own experience rather than others' descriptions. Still, if you notice a clear change, whatever the cause, tell a health professional.

When to contact your doctor

• If you notice reduced or changed movements, contact the maternity unit or your doctor the same day; do not wait.
• If you feel no movement at all, seek care immediately.
• If reduced movements come with bleeding, leaking fluid or severe abdominal pain, call 112 (in Turkey) or your local emergency number or go to the emergency room.
• If you used to feel movements and no longer can, seek care.
• When in doubt, getting checked is always safer.

Frequently asked questions

How do I tell hiccups from kicks? Hiccups are rhythmic and repeat at the same spot; kicks are single and scattered.

My baby is more active in the evening; is that a problem? Many babies are livelier in the evening; it is their own pattern.

If my placenta is at the front, will I feel movements late? Movements may be felt later or more lightly, but a clear reduction should still be reported.

This article is general information; for your own baby's pattern, your doctor is the best person to ask.