Reduced movements after midwife visit

[sarah00001]

Hi, I had my 31 week antenatal appointment with the midwife yesterday. She examined me and measured my womb and went to use a doppler, but the battery had run out. She asked if I particularly wanted the doppler and I said no, as the baby had been moving fine and was very active. She said, 'no I'll find another one as you will want the reassurance' I told her I didn't need the reassurance, but she insisted that I did (like I'm not capable of knowing my own mind). Anyway, she found another doppler and listened to the heartbeat which was fine. Anyway, since then, I have had reduced and fainter movements from my baby. I called her this morning and asked whether it could have been the doppler and she assured me it wasn't. She advised I give it a couple of hours and if the movements don't increase, to go to the hospital.

I normally meet my midwife at the hospital. On this particular occasion, the ward where she examined me and where she used the doppler was one where women require special monitoring due to concerns with their baby. She wanted me to meet her there because the room had a computer which she wanted to use. I'm worried that she used a doppler that was perhaps stronger than the usual dopplers and it may have been too strong for my baby. I asked the midwife about it and she said it was just the usual doppler that they use, but I'm worried she's made a mistake. She doesn't normally work on that particular ward, so she won't be familiar with all the equipment.

I will go into the hospital if the movements don't change, but I feel angry and upset about all this. I noticed very soon after I had the doppler that the baby had changed the position and I can't help feeling she was trying to get away from it.

Has anyone else noticed a change in movements after a doppler has been used?

Thank you, Sarah

[AnythingNotEverything]

Dopplers are perfectly safe and midwives are well trained. Im sure the MW did nothing wrong.

Don't let any paranoia about that detract from the reduced movement and need to go be monitored for any change. Even though you've heard a heartbeat recently you must be seen.

[FarOverTheRainbow]

I never noticed this when I was pregnant with my DD. I got admitted to hospital for reduced movements but nothing to do with a Doppler and hey monitor you every few hours during the night and used dopplers from the hospital.

I don't think that they can have different strengths that effect babies but I could be wrong but if your feeling reduced movements just get checked ASAP and ask your concerns about the Doppler at the hospital

[kate113855]

If it was on a ward where women have to be monitored specially because their pregnancy is not straight forward or their baby isn't growing properly or whatever you'd think the dopplers would be of a lesser strength than usual dopplers if their babies are at a higher risk than "normal" ones? :)

[applecore0317]

I really doubt that a doppler could affect your baby, I've had ones used on me at the hospital and doctors, and no issues. When you go in for monitoring at the hospital they use a much bigger one that is strapped to you, rather than the handheld ones. The dopplers are designed to listen to the heartbeat, not to harm the baby.

Mine always kicks at the doppler and wriggles away from it, apparently doesn't want to hear her own heartbeat. Also I found that when my baby changed position sometimes she would be facing inwards so I wouldn't feel such strong movements. It's not unusual for them to move position at this stage, particular bonus if they are getting in the right position in the lead up to your due date.

Go in and get monitored though for reassurance.

[GingerCuddleMonster]

a Doppler will not harm your baby, and they are all the same strength, same radio frequencies.

if you are concerned about your babies movement please call the hospital.

[Number3cometome]

Hi Sarah,

I have read a few of your posts before (quite a distinctive username) and I notice that a lot of your posts refer to worries you have about tests and electrical equipment.

I think maybe now would be a good time to start speaking to your midwife about how you are feeling, I can sense that you are anxious quite often and this is not something that you need to go through alone.

There is lots of help for ladies with anxiety (trust me I'm a pro) and I hate to think you are worrying about things for no need and feel you cannot turn to anyone.

Have you suffered from depression or anxiety in the past? Have you discussed this with your midwife?

[boardblonde]

My daughter did not like the Doppler or ultrasound scans either and would move away from them. As long as they are used for a short time they are safe. There has been some research in mice that has showed adverse affects but only with prolonged use of ultrasound/dopplers (which would not even come close to what most babies I think the ones used for longer monitoring are not as strong? I was really worried about this when I was pregnant but they use them for such a short time it's not going to cause your baby harm.

[BumWad]

Agree with Number3.

Again don't let it detract from you monitoring your owns babies movements.

[YouMakeMyHeartSmile]

I agree with Number3, I've seen a lot of your threads on the pregnancy boards and your anxiety levels seem completely through the roof. Are you being supported through the pregnancy in real life?
I am 30 weeks and midwife checked baby with a Doppler this morning. They could barely hear the heartbeat as baby was moving so much to get away from the Doppler! They wouldn't be used if they weren't considered to be safe. Don't hesitate to get reduced movement checked out, but constant worrying about chemicals/equipment etc is just going to cause additional anxiety.
I hope everything goes well with the rest of your pregnancy.

[lithiumfear]

Oh lovely

Being pregnant can bring up all sorts of fears (I didn't eat herbs, overcooked meats etc). With my first pregnancy I didn't even use the microwave!

Honestly though there is no harm in dopplers. I strongly believe that home dopplers can be dangerous, though that is not related to the electronics involved, or any direct risk to the baby at all.

I really wouldn't wait around for the movements to pick up though. If you haven't felt your baby move in it's normal pattern, then you should get it checked sooner rather than later.

[Skiptonlass]

The Doppler is harmless. They are not recommended for home use because they can provide false reassurance (I.e. You hear a hb but there is an issue) or provoke unneeded concern (there's a heartbeat but you can't find it so you panic.)

If your baby is having reduced movements you do need to call your midwife, full stop.

Do you have anxieties about tests and electronics? I'm a scientist so very happy to answer any questions you might have if it would help.

[sarah00001]

Hello, I'm sorry for taking so long to reply. Thank you all for your responses. Fortunately my baby started moving normally again, so I didn't go to the hospital for monitoring. I do suffer from anxiety, I had difficulty getting pregnant and I know I worry far too much. I am receiving help for my anxieties with medication and counselling.