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 feel any changes in your baby's movements. We are available 24 hours, seven days a week please don't wait until the next day. There is no set pattern or time of day when your baby will move - you will just get to know. 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 movement midwives discuss the importance of calling PAU

Patients share their experiences 

Olivia Smurthwaite called PAU after her baby hadn't moved for a few hours. 

Olivia said: Everybody was lovely, told me to come down straight away and they would check the baby and myself to see what was happening. I didn't feel like I was being silly or wasting time as the staff were so great and said I did the right thing. I gave birth to a baby boy in August on my due date. Please don't wait - if your baby stops moving call PAU immediately.

Expecting mum Jessica Thorne contacted PAU after experiencing reduced movements of her baby after an incident in her car.  

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.