If your baby's movements slow down or change, it should always be checked the same day — never left until tomorrow. A quick, non-invasive CTG (cardiotocography) trace at our Bentley clinic records your baby's heartbeat and your contractions to confirm all is well.
Pregnancy is such a hopeful time — but let's be honest, it can bring anxious moments too, and few things unsettle you quite like wondering whether your baby is moving as much as they should. It's one of the most common worries we hear at Athena Women's Clinic, whether it's phrased as “Is my baby moving enough?” or a concern about reduced fetal movements.
Knowing how we check on your baby's wellbeing can take a lot of that worry away. One of the main tools we use to reassure you is CTG monitoring — so below we explain exactly what it is, why it matters, and what to do the moment you notice a change in your baby's movements.
What is CTG monitoring?
Cardiotocography (CTG), often simply called a “trace,” is a gentle, non-invasive way of listening to and recording your baby's heartbeat. At the same time, it keeps an eye on your uterus for any contractions or irritability.
For a CTG check we place two sensors on your abdomen, held gently in place with soft, elastic belts:
- Sensor 1: tracks your baby's heart rate, making sure it sits within a healthy range and reacts well to movement.
- Sensor 2: monitors the tension in your uterus so we can pick up any contractions.
The machine then prints out a continuous graph — the trace — which our doctors review straight away, so you get instant feedback about your baby's health.
Getting to know your baby's movements
You'll usually start to feel those first flutters somewhere between 16 and 24 weeks. Over the following weeks you'll gradually get to know your baby's own rhythm — their pattern of being awake and asleep — and that familiarity is exactly what settles the “Is my baby moving enough?” question in your mind.
Your baby's movements are one of the clearest signs of how they're doing. If a baby is unwell or not getting enough oxygen, they may try to conserve energy by moving less — which is why any change in movement is always worth taking seriously.
Babies do not slow down at the end of pregnancy — they should stay active right up until birth. That's exactly why you should never ignore a drop in the strength or frequency of your baby's kicks.
When should you get checked?
Trust your instincts. Please contact Athena Women's Clinic or your maternity hospital straight away if you notice any of the following:
- Reduced movements: you feel fewer kicks, flutters or rolls than usual.
- A change in pattern: the movements feel weaker or different from your baby's normal routine.
- External trauma: you've had a fall, a car accident, or a blow to your stomach.
- High-risk factors: you have high blood pressure or diabetes that needs regular fetal monitoring.
Whatever you do, please don't wait until the next day. A quick CTG monitoring session can confirm that your baby is happy and healthy.
What happens during a CTG scan in Perth?
At our Bentley clinic, your comfort comes first. Unlike a busy hospital ward, our monitoring room is quiet and private — a calm place to simply focus on your baby.
- Relax: you'll settle into a comfortable chair for about 20 to 30 minutes.
- Monitor: we attach the sensors, and you'll hear the reassuring “galloping horse” sound of your baby's heartbeat.
- Review: our GP reviews the trace. If the baby heart rate monitor shows a healthy, reactive pattern, you can often head home with total peace of mind.
If the doctor does have any concerns, they may suggest a further ultrasound or refer you to the hospital for closer observation.
Athena Women's Clinic works alongside our sister clinics. For regenerative skin, hair & body treatments see Athena Wellness; for pregnancy & pelvic imaging see Athena Women's Ultrasound.
