From 24 weeks, your baby's movements become something you can get to know. If they slow down or change, contact your midwife, doctor or maternity unit now. Here's what the check looks like at this stage.
Getting to know their movements
Movements usually keep increasing until about 32 weeks (RCOG, Tommy's). There's no set number you should feel each day, and every baby is different (NHS). What you're learning is your own baby's pattern.
Your baby also has sleep periods, day and night, that mostly last 20 to 40 minutes and are rarely longer than 90 minutes. Your baby usually won't move during them (RCOG).
Counting comes later
Count the Kicks advises starting to time movements at 28 weeks, or at 26 weeks if you're high-risk or expecting twins or more. UK guidance doesn't ask you to count at all (NHS). When to start counting has both views.
If movements slow down or change
Your baby is moving less than usual (NHS). You can't feel your baby moving any more (NHS). There's a change to your baby's usual pattern of movements (NHS).
Contact your midwife, doctor or maternity unit straight away. Do not wait until the next day, even if it's the middle of the night (NHS).
What happens when you call, 24 to 28 weeks
RCOG describes it: your midwife or maternity unit will check your baby's heartbeat and give you a full antenatal check-up. That includes measuring the size of your womb, checking your blood pressure and testing your urine for protein. If your womb measures smaller than expected, an ultrasound scan may be arranged.
From 28 weeks, the check is a little different. The next stage explains.