Good Hope Hospital Maternity Unit

16/04/2026

Any concerns please contact Maternity Assessment Centre, Good Hope Hospital contact 0121-424 2729.

Call your maternity unit and go to get checked straight away if:

• You think your baby is moving less than normal

• Movements feel weaker than normal

• Movements have stopped

Don’t wait. The maternity unit is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Even at night.

How often should my baby move?

There is no set number of normal movements. Every baby is different.

From 16–24 weeks on you should feel the baby move more and more up until 32 weeks. From then, movements should stay roughly the same until you give birth and during labour too.

It is important you get checked straight away, even if your pregnancy has been straightforward or you have not had any problems before.

Do not wait until the next day to get checked.

Do not do anything to try and make your baby move.

Do not use home dopplers, hand held monitors or phone apps to check your baby’s heartbeat.

Even if you hear a heartbeat, this does not mean your baby is well.

Why are my baby’s movements important?

Babies that are moving less might not be getting enough oxygen or nutrition. This is serious and it means that some babies might die. If your baby is moving less, your maternity unit needs to check if they are well.

It is NOT true that babies move less towards the end of pregnancy.

You should continue to feel your baby move right up to the time you go into labour and whilst you are in labour too.

16/04/2026

Take a look at our website page for lots of information about our services

Our specialist team of midwives, doctors and support staff offers kind and compassionate care to the diverse population of Birmingham.

09/04/2026

It's usually done innocently, but it can cause great hurt and upset. If you are honoured enough to find out about the birth of a baby, keep it to yourself until the parents have announced it themselves.

A personal pet peeve of mine is also people who comment things like "so glad we can finally talk it about it" or a similar comment that lets everyone know they knew first. There are lots of reasons people may not have been told yet and comments like this can cause unnecessary drama.

24/03/2026

BSOL MNVP is recruiting!

Do you have lived Maternity experience within Birmingham and Solihull? Do you want to be part of a team that is passionate about improving Maternity, Neonatal and Bereavement services? Do you want to work flexibly, while still making a difference?

We have TWO positions available

- North Lead 30 hours per month
- South Lead 30 hours per month

For more information, please request an expression of interest and Job Description by emailing our Coordinator:c.reaves@gatewayfs.org

Please see the link below to the advert via Gateway:
https://gatewayfs.org/about-us/our_vacancies/

21/03/2026

23/01/2026

More information re:Baby Milk

Danone is recalling Aptamil First Infant Formula because cereulide toxin has been found in the product. The product listed below is on sale in the UK.

23/01/2026

Please note message from Boots re: baby milk

IMPORTANT PRODUCT RECALL NOTICE ‼️
APTAMIL FIRST INFANT FORMULA 800g
Batches with the expiry date: 31/10/2026

As a precaution, an isolated batch of Aptamil Infant Formula 800g has been recalled.

Customers who have bought this product can return it to the store they bought it for a full refund. With or without a receipt.

If you have any questions, the Aptamil Careline team are available on 0800 996 1000 or via their website: https://aptaclub.co.uk.

Batches were sold in May - July 2025, with the expiry date of 31/10/2026. No other batches are affected by this notice.

18/01/2026

When should I start to feel movement?
Most women and birthing people usually begin to feel their baby move between 16 and 24 weeks of pregnancy.

How often should my baby move?
There is no set number of normal movements. Get to know your baby's individual regular pattern of movement

What should I do if I notice reduced movement?
If you think your baby’s movements have slowed down or stopped call your maternity unit or midwife immediately. The maternity unit is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

Don't put off calling until the next day or wait until your next scheduled appointment.

What if my baby’s movements are reduced again?
You should contact your maternity unit again, however many times it happens. Even if everything was normal last time, don't hesitate to contact your midwife or maternity unit for advice. You're always doing the right thing.

Why are my baby’s movements important?
A reduction or change in a baby’s movements can be an important warning sign that a baby is unwell. Around half of women who had a stillbirth noticed their baby’s movements had slowed down or stopped. It's NOT true that babies move less towards the end of pregnancy

You should continue to feel your baby move right up to the time you go into labour and whilst you are in labour too.

Should I prompt my baby to move?
As it can cause a delay in getting medical advice, do not use ice, fizzy drinks etc to make your baby move, always call your maternity unit.

What if my baby’s movements reduce again after check up?
If, after your check up, you are still not happy with your baby’s movements, you must contact either your maternity unit or midwife straight away, even if everything was normal last time. NEVER HESITATE to contact your maternity unit or midwife for advice, no matter how many times this happens.

Should I use a phone app or home doppler to check the baby's heartbeat?
Do not use hand-held monitors, Dopplers or phone apps to check your baby’s health. Even if you hear a heartbeat, this does not mean your baby is well.

18/01/2026

Helpful advice

17/01/2026

Good advice from Kicks Count

15/01/2026

15/01/2026

We're very excited to offer our next Birth Reflections Circle, with our dedicated Birth Trauma Lead Laura, at ☕

Join Laura on 12th February @ 10am (please see post for further details) for an informal meet up to share experiences, listen to others and signposting to further support will be avaialble.

Our Birth Reflection Circles are a key part for you to be involved in supporting changes with your local Maternity and Neonatal Services, and we'd love to hear from you 🌷

Join us for a coffee, share your experience if you want to and meet others in your local area 🤝
We'd also like to thank @ for providing us with a friendly and safe space for this session!

Please use the eventbrite link to book your space as numbers are limited

We look forward to welcoming you 🌷

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birth-reflection-circle-tickets-1980365085280?aff=oddtdtcreator