Quick Tips to Make Baby Move During Scan:
- Take a short walk (10–15 minutes)
- Eat light snacks or fruit juice
- Gently rub your belly
- Change your position
- Stay calm and relaxed
An anomaly scan is an important ultrasound done between the 18th and 22nd week of pregnancy to check your baby’s growth and development. Sometimes, your baby may stay in a position where the doctor cannot clearly see all organs. This can make the scan difficult and may require repeating it.
If you’re feeling anxious, don’t worry this is very common among expecting mothers. The good news is that there are simple and safe ways to encourage your baby to move during the scan.
What Is an Anomaly Scan?

An anomaly scan (also called a fetal anatomy scan) helps doctors:
- Check the baby’s heart, brain, spine, and organs
- Detect structural abnormalities
- Monitor the baby’s overall growth. It is usually performed in the second trimester (18–22 weeks).
To understand the full procedure, cost, and preparation, read our detailed guide on Anomaly Scan in Siliguri
Why Baby Position Matters During an Anomaly Scan
The baby’s position is very important for getting accurate results.
If the baby is:
- Facing down
- Not moving
- Curled up
It becomes difficult for the doctor to examine all organs clearly.
Doctors usually prefer the baby to be in a side (lateral) position, especially to examine the heart and face properly.
5 Safe Tips to Make Baby Move During an Anomaly Scan
1. Take a Short Walk
- Walking for 10–15 minutes before the scan can:
- Improve blood circulation
- Make the baby more active
- Help change the baby’s position
This is one of the most effective and safest methods.
2. Eat Light Food or Drink Juice

You can try:
- Fruit juice
- Light snacks
- A small piece of chocolate
Avoid heavy meals or too much sugar.
These movements are a natural part of your baby’s development during pregnancy. Learn more about fetal growth from our Week-by-Week Baby Development Guide.
3. Gently Rub Your Belly
- Lightly touching or rubbing your belly may stimulate the baby.
- Always be gentle and avoid pressure.
4. Change Your Position
Your body position can influence your baby’s movement.
Try:
- Lying on your left side
- Sitting upright
- Slightly leaning forward
5. Stay Calm and Relaxed
- Stress can affect your body and your baby.
Doctors often suggest staying calm, as a relaxed body can help improve natural baby movement.
What If Baby Is Not Moving During the Scan?
First of all, this is completely normal.
Many mothers experience this during an anomaly scan.
Doctors may:
- Ask you to wait for some time
- Suggest walking or eating
- Repeat the scan later
A repeat scan does not mean there is a problem.
When Should You Be Concerned?
You should consult your doctor if:
- You notice very low baby movement for a long time
- You feel anything unusual
Always follow your doctor’s advice for safety. If you have concerns about your baby’s movement or scan results, it’s best to consult a specialist. Consult Fetal Medicine Specialist in Siliguri
FAQs
1) Can I eat before an anomaly scan?
Yes, eating light food or drinking juice can help increase baby movement.
2) What if my baby doesn’t move during the scan?
It is normal. The doctor may wait or repeat the scan.
3) How to make a baby move in an ultrasound naturally?
Walking, eating light food, and changing positions can help.
4) How long does an anomaly scan take?
Usually around 20–40 minutes, depending on the baby’s position.
Conclusion
It is completely normal if your baby does not move during an anomaly scan. With simple steps like walking, eating light food, and staying relaxed, you can improve the chances of getting a clear scan.
Remember, sometimes a repeat scan is just part of the process and there is nothing to worry about.
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Vinayak Das
MBBS, MS | Fetal Medicine Specialist in Siliguri
Expert in prenatal diagnosis, anomaly scans, and high-risk pregnancy care.
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