my 4 year old bitchis 10 days from whelping her second litter and although i can feel the pups, i cannot  obviously see them move or feel them move. if i put my hand on her stomach and concentrate i can feel some movement but it is not obvious, can anybody tell me if this is the norm.

The closer it is to whelping time the less room the pups have as they develop so they tend to move around less. I wouldn't worry too much as long as you are satisfied that everything is going well.
Dapple

hi, this is quite normal :) i dont know why, but all seems to go quiet the week before the puppies are born , but they usually start wiggling around again ,a few days before birth ( i have mini smooth dachsies ! ) i hope all goes well
regards
Caron

thanks very much for your replies.  no matter how many books you read it is always nice to hear from somebody who actually has experience

jilltee, let us know if all goes well, love babies :):):)