In 60 seconds
Your short plan for this week
Learn your baby's usual movement pattern and the exact instruction your maternity team gives you for a noticeable reduction or change.
Third-trimester visits often review blood pressure, growth, movement, symptoms and earlier test results; the frequency is individualized.
Do not wait for a home drink, snack or Doppler check to 'prove' reduced movement before calling your maternity service.
What you may notice
Your body and how you may feel
Third-trimester visits often become more frequent, depending on individual need and the plan your doctor gives you.
What is happening
Baby’s development this week
The third trimester begins; growth, brain development and fat storage accelerate.
Plain-language examples
What this means in real life
There is no universal number that describes every baby's normal movement. A clear change from the usual pattern matters.
A short checklist
What to do now
- Learn your baby's usual movement pattern and the exact instruction your maternity team gives you for a noticeable reduction or change.
- Discuss birth preferences, feeding support and early recovery.
- Notice your baby's usual movement pattern and act promptly on a clear change.
Pause and check
What not to do—or what to ask first
- Do not wait for a home drink, snack or Doppler check to 'prove' reduced movement before calling your maternity service.
What may be coming up
Appointments, tests and decisions
Third-trimester visits often review blood pressure, growth, movement, symptoms and earlier test results; the frequency is individualized.
Choose birth and newborn learning
Look for evidence-based antenatal education that includes recovery and newborn care.
Ask about gestational diabetes testing
Timing and testing method depend on your medical history and care plan.
Learn your baby's movement pattern
As movement becomes familiar, ask your care team what to do if it slows or changes.
Review pregnancy vaccinations
Confirm current and seasonal recommendations with your clinician.
For the support person
One useful thing a partner can do
- Know the movement concern route and support an immediate call instead of suggesting the pregnant person wait and see.
Contact your care team
Contact your doctor or maternity team promptly
Some concerns need advice before the next routine appointment even when they do not feel like an emergency. If a symptom becomes severe, sudden or frightening, use urgent care instead.
See when to contact careUrgent or emergency
Urgent signs during pregnancy or within a year after birth
Get medical care immediately for these symptoms. The list is not exhaustive; if something feels seriously wrong, seek help.
Open urgent warning signs