Reduced movement??

[zaalitje]

What is reduced movement? I've asked for a definition several times from HCPs and can't get a straight answer.

Say I feel baby move 50 times a day, does it count as reduced if I feel 45 movements? Or 35? Or 20?
Does it count if the movements feel gentler or lighter?

Despite heading towards 30 weeks baby still has no pattern so I find this all hard to judge.

[sirlee66]

I'm the same!!

The way my midwife explained it to me was: lay down on left for an hour. You want to feel the baby roughly 10 times in that hour. Any hour you'd like in the day/night. Either kicks, moving, jabs, whooshes any thing counts.

They say an hour because babies in the womb sleep for 40 minutes cycles and so it's an hour slot to make sure you catch him/her.

My baby has sleepy days and very active days (which freaked me out) but he's always done it and so it's normal for me. As long as it's normal for you, it's ok. Anything that's not normal to you, always always phone the number in your pregnancy notes.

[gryffen]

Count the kicks website is your best friend for this question- any increase or decrease in movements that's normal for you and baby is to get checked asap.

[ForeverHopeful21]

When they say 'pattern' I think its just whats 'normal' for you.
For example I get lots of movements and kicks in the evening when I'm resting or when I go to bed ...its not the exact same every night or the exact same time of night or the exact same number of kicks but I'd be concerned if I didn't feel much or anything at all once I was in bed as I know thats when baby seems to like to wake up.

My midwife said that I should call if I notice a significant number of fewer movements or no movements at all. This to me would indicate a big change, rather than just a different of 5 or 10 kicks.

Theres been the odd day I feel like I haven't felt my baby move much and then 15 minutes later I'll get a big kick and realise I've probably just been too busy or distracted to notice.
If you're ever worried theres no harm in calling your midwife or hospital.

[zaalitje]

Thanks both

gryffen count the kicks is the reason for the post.

Any difference could mean feeling 46 movements in a day instead of 50.
To me that's not a difference!

sirlee I've tried the lying down thing, when at home, but it doesn't really help at work. I'm looking for a guide I can use for other times too. This just confuses me too much

[TallulahBetty]

Remember that a sudden increase in movements needs to be checked out too.

[Thelampshadelady]

Op, I’m so with you on this!!
I’m 29 weeks today and I agonise over movements. I appreciate everyone is different but a clearer answer would be helpful. My baby has busy days and quiet days, but like you no clear pattern.

[Thelampshadelady]

I also worry when at work because I can’t just lay down for a couple of hours on my side (although I’d like too!)

[coffeeandbiscuit]

The count 10 kicks thing is no longer advised.

Around 28 weeks you’re meant to notice a vague ‘pattern’ that your baby keeps to (I noticed it more around 30/31). You might not feel 20 kicks exactly every time you expect to feel movement, but you’ll feel the baby moving and doing its thing. Sometimes it’s significant thumps, other times dragging or lighter movements. Baby can move around and position itself differently for me, certainly, the power behind movements isn’t always the same. Being aware of the pattern means if after lunch, when they usually let loose, they don’t, then it’s worth getting checked out. Lying on your left can help you monitor/become more aware, but it’s not advised to eat sugary foods or drink cold drinks to provoke a reaction. I agree though that you can go some days when you’re just not really paying attention, because something else captivates your time. So take time to sit down and be still. If you still aren’t feeling anything, get it checked out. Ultimately, any reduction, or indeed significant increase, should be reviewed. I’m not sure whether the information on hiccups has changed, but they used to say that these should be discounted. You’ll recognise them — consistent, steady movements.

The website is now Kicks Count (no longer count the kicks).

It’s a bloody nightmare, but trust your instincts too. You will know if something isn’t quite right — just don’t hesitate getting checked out!

[unicornsunshine]

I'm 36 weeks with number 3, and at an early appointment I asked if I should start 'counting the kicks' from now. I was told that they don't advise you follow the whole count the kicks 'system' anymore, it's all about the pattern! - you will notice a pattern in movements - if that changes then you need to speak to a midwife.
For example I feel a lot of movements in the evening and after eating. If this was to change I would speak to someone.

[ClareB83]

I find my babies movements are really affected by my routine as well. So they are less kicky the mornings I commute into the office, but will massively kick off at some point in the afternoon. Whereas at home they spread their kicks out more evenly across the day.

Also I feel twin 2 way more than twin 1 as he lays on top of twin 1 and I find it really stressful trying to make sure I've felt twin 1 as much. Actually helps a bit when he faces inwards because at least I know that's him.

[NerNerNerNerBATMAN]

It's so hard! I'm 31 weeks and have gone in twice recently for reduced movements. And I'm not usually a paranoid person. Apparently my placenta is at the front and baby had moved. So whereas previously I'd felt quite a lot of movement in my pelvis, it then just felt quite muffled and weak. They were exceptionally nice about it.

They did advise drinking cold drink and laying on left hand side to see if that encourages it. I've had to stop what I'm doing today and concentrate on the movements as I've not really felt much, but then I've been busy all day!