Key points
- Go to Labor & Delivery at HCA Florida University Hospital right away if your baby is moving less than usual, stops moving, or has a clear change in the usual pattern.
- Decreased movement is time-critical, so go directly to Labor & Delivery.
When you may first feel movement
Many people first notice movement between 16 and 24 weeks. It may feel like fluttering, bubbles, or a gentle tap. In a first pregnancy, it may be after 20 weeks. Tell your OB if you have not felt movement by 24 weeks.
As movements become easier to recognize, learn your baby's usual pattern. There is no single daily number that is normal for every baby. A placenta at the front of the uterus can cushion sensations, but a change in established movement still deserves attention.
Tracking movement
Your OB may recommend a daily movement check around 28 weeks, particularly when closer monitoring is needed. Follow the method you are given. A note on your phone can record the time, usual activity, and any change; you do not need a paid app. See movement at 28 weeks for an example of a counting method.
Call for a noticeable change
Go to Labor & Delivery at HCA Florida University Hospital right away if your baby is moving less than usual, stops moving, or has a clear change in the usual pattern. Do not wait until tomorrow, and do not wait for a callback. Do not rely on a home Doppler or phone app for reassurance.
Questions about your pregnancy? Contact Davie ObGyn in Davie, Florida, at 954-880-1010. New and established patients are welcome. This information supports your prenatal care and does not replace an individual medical assessment. For urgent symptoms, call your care team promptly; for an emergency, call 911. Do not use a routine online message for urgent symptoms.
Medically reviewed by Rahil Malik, MD, FACOG, board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist. Last reviewed: September 26, 2026. This page is general information and does not replace a visit with your doctor.