Urging expecting parents to contact hospital if their baby has lack of movement

We urge all parents-to-be to call their Pregnancy Assessment Unit (PAU) if they have any concerns about their baby's movements. 

Midwife Julie McKay explains:

We really must stress that you are not wasting our time. Please call PAU if you have any concerns about baby's movements, such as if:

• your baby is moving less than normal

• movements feel weaker than normal

• movements have stopped

We are available 24 hours, seven days a week please don't wait until the next day. If you feel something isn't right then please pick up the phone and give us a call."

Over half of women who have suffered a stillbirth noticed their baby's movements had slowed down or stopped. As your baby grows, both the number and type of movements will change with your baby's activity pattern.

Usually, afternoon and evening periods are times of peak activity for your baby. During both day and night, your baby has sleep periods that mostly last between 20 and 40 minutes, and are rarely longer than 90 minutes. Your baby will usually not move during these sleep patterns.

If you experience reduced movements, please call PAU:

Fetal movements in pregnancy - what to do if your baby is moving less in pregnancy

What to do if you notice any changes in your baby's movements

If you experience reduced movements, please call PAU:

Once contacting PAU you may be asked to attend. Danielle Harrison, Antenatal Outpatient Team Lead, explains what will happen in this video. You can also watch a tour of the Pregnancy Assessment Unit at University Hospital of North Durham.

Maternity triage system

From Monday 28 April 2025, a new maternity triage system is being fully implemented at University Hospital of North Durham and Darlington Memorial Hospital to help deliver faster, safer, and more consistent care for women and birthing people attending with urgent pregnancy concerns.

We are now using the Birmingham Symptom-specific Obstetric Triage System (BSoTs), a nationally recognised triage tool that:

  • Assesses maternity symptoms systematically
  • Prioritises women according to clinical urgency
  • Standardises care delivery across services.

     

Why is this important?

  • It improves patient safety through risk-led triage.
  • It reduces delays in urgent assessment and treatment.
  • It supports staff with clear clinical guidance.
  • It enhances women’s experiences with more timely, appropriate care.

What to expect:
Please be aware that we now use a triage system similar to those used in emergency departments.

  • Women and birthing people who need urgent care will be seen first, meaning that someone who arrives after you may be seen before you are.
  • You may need to wait longer than expected if others have more urgent clinical needs.
  • If your condition changes while you are waiting, please alert a member of staff immediately.

We aim to complete an initial assessment within 15 minutes of arrival wherever possible.

Our priority is the safety of all women, birthing people, and their babies.

If you have any questions or concerns please speak to a midwife.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.