Reduced movement- what should I do

[Snowberry86]

I had lots of movement yesterday afternoon during which I think baby did a big position change.

Today I've not felt anywhere near as many movements as usual but I am still getting some. The ones I am getting are lower down and further back and a duller thud rather than feet sticking out of my stomach like usual.

I rang midwife who said because I have had more than 10 movements today not to worry too much and to wait until this evening to see if movements pick up. If they don't I can go in for monitoring tonight.

Problem is I'm meant to be going to an evening wedding reception later and never get many movements when up and mobile so won't really notice whether it's increased.

I've been laid on sofa and am now getting more movement but still in a different place so I do think it's just that baby is now laid differently.

Should I go to wedding or stay home?

[DocMcFanjo]

I'd go in to the labour ward to get properly checked tbh. You really can't be too careful.

[Snowberry86]

They won't let me go in at the minute. Told to ring back at 8pm ish if im still not getting many movements.

Problem is I won't know if I am getting as many if I am at the wedding. But then I don't want to spend the evening laid on sofa worrying. It's quite a close family friend's wedding so not one I can easily get out of.

[Jubaloo442]

Nobody can really answer that, but you seem quite clued up about what is 'normal' for him / her. I think they advise not to count kicks now as it sets arbitrary markers, but instead they are more interested in patterns.

If you feel concerned to the point where you want to monitor further then maybe you could stay at home and relax in a position where you can monitor.

Would you be able to enjoy the wedding reception if you went?

It's good that you got advice from the MW but if you are still concerned then get it checked out. Probably just a position change , but better safe than sorry?

[FirstTimeMummy25]

If I had reduced movement I used to sit/lay down everything turned off (TV etc) eat something sweet and drink a cold drink and properly focus on movement over say an hour usually it put my mind at rest as normally it was I was too busy to notice movement. But if you are worried then go to labour ward you can't be too careful

[barney11]

I agree. Call the labour ward at your hospital and go in to be monitored (even if you have to be pushy to make it happen). I'm sure you and the baby are fine but it would be good to have proper reassurance. Any change in movements should be checked out. Look at the Kicks Count website/facebook page for more info if you've not heard of them. Best of luck, i'm sure your baby is fine but don't leave anything to chance. X

[ToffeeForEveryone]

I'm very surprised they told you not to go in, I thought the usual advice is to get any change in movement pattern checked out as soon as possible?

If you are concerned at all then just go to the maternity unit, I can't imagine they would turn you away.

[Snowberry86]

I had read that you shouldn't count kicks but ring if it was different to normal- but then midwife at labour ward said because I've had 10 movements today not to worry and that as long as I'm still getting plenty it has probably just changed position.

I might go for an hour or two and then if I don't get many when I am home again I will ring them back.

[barney11]

X Post. You do need to be pushy with midwives at hospital. I've had to do it in the past. Felt like i was a pain in the arse but it was worth it. Look at Kicks Count and call again to explain that it's not just reduced movement it's an entirely different pattern of behaviour. If they still don't listen, just go in anyway....

[Snowberry86]

I'm 30 weeks. I spoke to one hospital first as they do the advice line and they were going to book me in to be monitored. Then when they realised I was booked for delivery at another one they told me to ring them direct and they said they wouldn't monitor me until later.

So much conflicting advice from people who are supposed to be able to reassure me!

I'm not one for a fuss and so don't want to create a big drama or end up being monitored and looking daft.

[ohidoliketobe]

I'd call back and hope I spoke to a different midwife who was more clued up on current guidelines! Check out the Kicks Count website. Any changes in movements or patterns are advised to be seen to. Please call back and explain although you are feeling movements you still have some concerns

[ohidoliketobe]

www.kickscount.org.uk/mums/your-babys-movements/

[ohidoliketobe]

No such thing as 'looking daft' when it comes to your baby's movements.

[SpeakNoWords]

I'd go in and get monitored if you can. I had reduced movements and it turned out to be serious and I needed an immediate c section. I appreciate that what happened to me was very unusual, but it has definitely made me much more cautious about a change or reduced movements.

[Snowberry86]

Thanks everyone. DH is back from work around 6pm so will give it till then and then ring labour ward again and say I'm still concerned and can I go in.

Anyone know how long I'm likely to be there for and what I should take with me? Will take my notes but I assume I don't need anything else and will be sent home again after a few hours?

[Sparklesilverglitter]

I am surprised they told you to wait until 8pm.

I had reduced movements last week and ended up with a c section DD is now 5 days old

Any reduced movement should always be checked out, no such thing as being daft where babies movements are concerned.

Make sure you go in if you've had nothing when your DH gets home, take your notes along but you shouldn't need anything else

[littleducks]

I would try the cold drink trick while you wait.

Monitoring itself if reassuring won't take long but it can take a while if place is busy to get a monitor set up etc

[ohidoliketobe]

At that time of day I'd tempted to chuck together a small bag of pj's / toiletries / change of clothes just in case they want to keep you in overnight for monitoring. You can leave it in the car and send DH out for it if needed. I got caught out with a bleed at 20 weeks where they kept me in for further observations

[Eatthecake]

Reduced movements should always be checked out as soon as you can.

I would just take my notes but if you want could take an overnight bag although hopefully you won't need it

[Snowberry86]

Thank you. If I have drink and jiggle baby a bit then I can get a few dull movements but I'm not getting the usual ones I would when I lie on sofa.

Will pack some pj's but really hope I don't have to stay. I hate hospitals!

[middlings]

Another one saying go in. And I'd just present yourself if you don't get any luck on the phone.

Really surprised by that "10 movement" thing - if it's different to normal, you should be checked.

Take your notes and an overnight bag.

Good luck

[Oly5]

You're doing the right thing op. Get checked.
Cold orange juice and a chocolate bar used to get mine moving. Try that while you wait

[DrWhy]

Cold sugary drink and lie on your side while you wait. If/when you go in take notes and something to read/do.
I am 36 weeks and went in last week for monitoring as I had done an emergency stop in the car with the seatbelt somewhat across my bump then convinced myself movements had reduced. As soon as I arrived baby started trying to kick off the heartbeat monitors and show me up to be paranoid they still kept me in for 4 hours as that's protocol after abdominal trauma and they were all very patient and understanding. It was just very very dull, no TV, no phone signal and every time I moved at all the monitoring stuff slipped - take a book!

[Snowberry86]

DH home and he seems to have woken up for him!

Movement is in a different part of my stomach so think he has rolled over but definite movement going on now!

Now can't make my mind up what to do!