Reduced fetal movements- advice please

[Vikkieb]

Hi, I had reduced (none) baby movements on Wednesday (35+6) and went in to be assessed - trace was good (although I couldn't feel any movements) scan was ok, showed lowish fluid levels (5.3cm) I was booked in for a full growth scan for the Thursday (36 weeks)

The scan was ok, baby head down (third baby) fluid levels in normal range and baby measuring at approx 5.3lb so under the 50th centile - midwives have been measuring me over the 90th - the lady said that everything ok and to see community midwife as normal.

Friday pm - the most horrific headache to the point I was sick, paracetamol didn't touch the sides, up most of the night with it! Saturday led in a dark room as the light was really irritating me, usual BH, cramps backache etc...

This morning (Sunday) the headache was still very persistent and nausea is awful so called the delivery suite as assessment bay not opened. Midwife was really great with me, could clearly see my head was sore, turned all the lights out in the room etc... Was hooked back up to the machine as expressed movements were still very decreased for baby. Trace showed over 40 minutes that heart rate dropped under 100 4 times however the midwife was confident that it just lost touch and picked up my pulse instead. BP normal, urine sample showed +1, consultant checked me over and said I might have a viral infection causing the headache and general unwell, checked on a scan and fluid levels he said were perfect, 9.6 in highest.. He asked if I wanted to stay in hospital, which I declined due to my other children and I feel pretty rotten but don't want to take up a bed..

The midwife explained that as its my second episode of reduced movements I know have to have traces twice a week as its a new trial they are doing across the NHS, she didn't really explain what/why or the next stages if I still continue to have reduced movements or my headache

I've come home and been prescribed dihydrocodeine which I can take every 3-6 hours (taken two already, it isn't easing the dull ache however is making me able to tolerate light) and I'm back in on Tuesday for another trace

Movements haven't increased, head is still sore and after advice/similar experiences please (does anyone know what the guidelines are for several reduce movements episodes) - I'm 36+2 today - didn't have any problems in either of my previous two pregnancies

Thanks in advance (sorry for the long post)

Update - I went for another CTG yesterday (Tuesday at 36+4) no BP taking, I had the shivers so they got me a blanket and my pulse was 120 - midwife wasn't concerned just said looked like I had a cold - was monitored for over 2 hours as really struggled to get movement but trace was within range - have been sent away until Friday already the midwife was quite dismissive with me and said - that I don't have to come in on Friday if I feel it's not nessercary- I asked what if before Friday movements haven't increased and are still relatively low for baby she just smiled and went well your CTG are ok it's probably because your unwell...

Will I just now have CTG twice a week until birth or will they offer induction? Is there a reason for such decreased movements from such an active baby but with scan and CTG all good?

Never experienced this with my previous two pregnancies .. Still feel totally rubbish and been told that shouldn't be having dihydrocodeine which was prescribed from the doctor on delivery...

Feeling fed up, ill and very concerned - help please

Thanks xx

[PeaceLoveAndJaffaCakes]

I can't be of much assistance i'm afraid, but I hope everything goes well for you. I would attend the next appointment and keep having CTGs and checks when on offer.
As far as I know you can take codeine in pregnancy, though advice is to limit it the closer you get to the birth (although since pethidine is a labour drug, I imagine it would have the same effect on the baby). The doctor wouldn't have prescribed it if they thought it was unsafe.
Have you discussed induction with your MW?
I had slight headaches but ++ blood and protein in urine, but normal BP and they decided that was mild PET so I wonder if that's what yours is too?
Take care and good luck.