MEASURE THE MOVEMENTS

“The only one of these milestones that mom may be aware of at all is movement,” says Pretoria-based midwife Heather Pieterse. Movement differs from baby to baby, but if the baby suddenly starts moving less than what has become normal, never ignore it. You can count your baby’s movements. “Drink a glass of ice-cold water, then lie down. Babies are often quieter when the mom is active and busy, and start moving once she lies down,” Heather explains. You should then feel at least five movements in an hour. But don’t be overly concerned if you don’t, because the baby could be sleeping – some babies sleep for up to 17 hours a day in the womb. “Remain lying down for another hour,” says Heather. “If you don’t feel more than 10 movements over the two-hour period, contact your midwife or gynae so that they can check that all is well.”