Talk to me about reduced foetal movements

[pozzled]

OK, I know this has been posted before but would appreciate some reassurance/advice?

I'm 37+1, for the last day or so the baby has seemed to be moving less than normal. She is still definitely moving. Today I've had three periods of movement but each one was only a few small wriggles rather than the full-on dancing a fandango that I've come to expect! I've tried sitting down for a bit and ice-cold coke and that did result in a few movements but nothing dramatic.

So, how much of a difference from 'normal' does there need to be before getting things checked out?

(She's wriggling a bit now as I post- I knew that would happen!)

My midwife always advised me to call her if I was worried about LO's movements or lack of. She actually gave me a gentle telling off when I told her that I'd been using my doppler to listen to the baby when I'd been feeling worried about there being less movement!

So I'd recommend always calling if you're worried about anything. They won't mind and it'll put your mind at rest too.

So how much would your baby normally move in 12 hours? Are you doing anything different today so you might be noticing less movements? Was she moving a lot yesterday?

If I were you I would get checked out. You obviously feel she is moving less. In my first pg they wanted baby to move 10 times in 12 hours, but then they changed it in my last pg to any reduction in movements as obviously some babies usually move a lot more than that.

You're near the end so there's less space for movement so they tend to move less at this point. If you are worried though, best to get it checked, mostly because you will worry whatever we all say. MWs are there to be called on. x

I'm sorry princess scrumpy that isn't true. Although the movements may feel less obvious (less sharp iykwim) you shouldn't actually get less movements.

Thanks for your responses. I'm less concerned now because she is moving well at the moment, so I think it was just a quiet morning.

Owlingate You asked about her normal movements- by this time I'd normally have had at least one period of 'awake' time where I'd have a lot of movements in one go. Hadn't had that when I posted my OP but it seems to be happening now. I don't think I've missed any movements, I think they're just coming at a different time today.

I will definitely keep an eye on things and phone the hospital if I'm not happy. I'm just a bit reluctant to get checked out if I don't need to because the hospital's a way off and it will end up taking most of the day. (I know- baby comes first- but you know what I mean).