baby movements less at term? Is this normal

[musica]

I'm overdue now, and I've definitely noticed baby is a lot quieter - is this normal? I thought at first it might be signal of labour starting, but no other signs yet - I'm three days over, but fully expecting to go into next week.

I can still feel the baby moving, but whereas before it was a wriggly little creature, it's more gentle now, and seems to have periods of rest followed by a bit of movement, then another long period of rest. Should I be worried?

[wickedstepmother]

I wouldn't be too worried. Don't forget that things are getting very cramped in there for baby now and so there is less room to roll around like a mad thing ! If you worried then give your midwife a call, they really don't mind reassuring you. They'd rather you called than sat worrying yourself sick about it. HTH

[Katherine]

Babies often go quieter near the end of pg as there is less room to move around and the amount of fluid decreases too. I wouldn't worry unless movements stop altogether.

My bump has definitly gone quieter now and I keep hoping that means things are about to happen but nothing yet either.....

[KMS]

I know exactly how tou feel. Hardly any movement today. It is moving but more of a hicup or small leg movements than the football kicks at the weekend. i too keep wondering if i should check it out but I'm sure it is just conserving energy ready for the big journey!

[mears]

If you feel there is a marked decrease in movement you should get it checked out. Although babies do seem to go a bit quieter just before delivery you should still get at least 10 kicks per day. When you think the baby is quiet, does it respond to a bit of prodding, drinking of cold water, lying on your left side, eating chocolate or lying in the bath?

[Jimjams]

If you are worried get it checked out. IME the midwifes don't mind at all. They would much rather check that everything is OK. DS1 did this and they were more than happy to monitor. Everything was fine and I went home after a couple of hours reassured (obviously as soon as they wired me up to the machine he started leaping about al over the place ).