Here's the funny thing about babies in the womb: They like to move when their moms are lying down.

That's because when you're up and around all day, your baby-to-be is likely lulled to sleep by the movement. You're also less likely to notice her kicks and jabs when you're busy and preoccupied.

But at night, when you slow down, your baby wakes up and is ready to roll (and punch, and kick, and squirm) — not great for a good night's sleep for you, but completely normal.

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Key Takeaways:
  1. Night time = party time. Your daytime movement rocks your baby-on-board to sleep, but when you’re in bed, your little one is ready to roll, flip, and turn.
  2. Clocks don’t matter. Since it’s always dark in the womb, infants can’t tell whether it’s day or night, which means movement at any time is very normal.
  3. Kicks are a good thing. Keep track of the pokes you feel to be better connected with your babe, even those in the wee hours of the morning.

You can log every wiggle and swish in the What to Expect app (hey — you’ve got to do something when your little one keeps you up at night!).

What to Expect Community parent babyjb2025 has an extremely active baby-to-be. "If  I'm laying down, he's doing acrobatics. He's NEVER chill," she says.

As far as mixing up day and night, it's always pretty dark in your uterus (or at least varying degrees of darkness), so it's too soon to worry about that.

If it turns out to be the scenario after your baby is born — which is also, unfortunately, completely normal! — you can figure out how to remedy the situation when the time comes. And you'll find plenty of help in What to Expect the First Year!

Here's to cherishing all those adorable baby kicks, whenever they happen,


Heidi Murkoff