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Contact the maternity team

If you need advice and are pregnant and currently receiving care at King’s, have just given birth at King’s, or have had a home birth with King’s:

  • Urgent queries (24 hours a day, 7 days a week): Maternity Telephone Assessment Line 020 3299 8389
  • Non-urgent queries (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm): contact your community midwife team

Baby movements

You should become aware of your baby’s movements between weeks 16 to 24. However, if this is your first pregnancy, you may not become aware until around 20 weeks. 

These movements may feel like a flutter, swish, roll, or kicks. As they grow, the number and type of movements will change, and a pattern may develop. Typically, babies are most active during the afternoon and evenings. They have sleep patterns where they don’t move during both day and night for about 20 to 40 minutes (and rarely up to 90 minutes).  

The number of movements tends to increase until 32 weeks and then stay about the same. As you near your due date, movements may change. Even during labour, you should feel your baby moving.  

If you notice that your baby is moving less than usual, you cannot feel their movements anymore, or their usual pattern of movement changes, call immediately. Do not wait.  

Our Maternity Assessment and Triage unit operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and your midwife will advise you if they need to check your baby’s movements and heartbeat. Reduced movements could mean your baby is unwell. Call our Maternity Telephone Assessment Line on 020 3299 8389. Our midwives will be available to help, even in the middle of the night. 

More information about fetal movements

Other useful contact details

The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) offers support, information and assistance to patients, relatives and visitors. They can also provide help and advice if you have a concern or complaint that staff have not been able to resolve for you.