Reduced strength of movements at 38 weeks???

[Ljll]

I am trying not to go mad but have significantly reduced movements in the last 4 days both in terms of amount but more significantly (I think??) strength of movements. He is moving a lot less and the movements are very slight. I first got checked on Friday night and heart beat was great. The dr also did a very quick scan but that was to look at his position only (3/5 engaged) I was checked with the monitor for 20 minutes on Monday and his heartbeat was fine again but can't shake my concern that the movements are less but more the issue is that any movement is very slight.... On both occasions above me and dr did not specifically comment as to why there would be reduced movements except that his head is locked on.
Am I going mad and worrying for nothing??? I can't seem to get a clear answer and you hear lots of different things such as it being normal to have a reduction in movements towards the end. Any thoughts/advice would be great!

DD went quiet the day she was born, not before. If your gut says something is wrong then keep going and getting checked.

Please go and read www.countthekicks.org.uk/

It says how to check, and advises contacting your midwife or going to A&E if you have any concerns. They would much rather send you away with a checked-over bump than have to deal with the alternative...

Thanks.
The test they do is always the heart monitor, if that shows a good heart beat which it has they have not investigated further. Is there any other test they could do and has anyone heard about reduced movements and lack of fluid?

I'd ask for a scan in that case.

(My DS was breech and ELCS - only discovered at the last GP check in week 38!)

Call again and get monitored again and ask for another scan. You are not being daft. You're being very sensible and aware of your baby's pattern which is exactly what you should be doing. If baby's heart rate is good then that's surely an excellent sign though.

Thanks moonbells, I think you might be right, I need to ask for a 2nd test as a good heartbeat cannot be 100% conclusive that all is ok when his movements are very weak. Just don't want to worry myself silly for no reason as I can be a bit of a stresshead at times!

They won't mind if you go 100 times, that's what they are there for. If you are worried, just give them a call and pop in when you can - otherwise, the worry you're suffering will make you really tired, and you need all the energy you can get for the next few weeks!

All the best

Thank you! Your posts really help and have made me feel less like I am stressing over nothing. I will call first thing tomorrow ( as it is 1.30am here) did anyone else have reduced movements both in strength and number towards the end?

I was just in the assessment unit for another reason (had a fall but everything fine) and 5 people in a row came in with reduced movement. It is a very common concern but I think always worth getting checked out as you can't be too careful.

I know the reason why the movements have reduced! Waters have broken and I am now in hospital waiting..... Wish me luck

Ooooooh

Good luck!!!

Just keep breathing in and out, slow and steady and remember every contraction is one you will never ever have to do again and each one brings you closer to meeting your ds.

Hi there, just to add my two-penneth, they probably wont scan you again but if you have 2 episodes of reduced movements at term, the docs will want to induce you. Ang

I knew it! Good luck!

Aha - best wishes and do let us know how you fare!

Gorgeous DS born this morning!!! Thanks for all support messages!

Congratulations and welcome to LittleLjll. A baby to kiss and inhale that lovely smell. Oh I ahve gone all soft and smiley. Well done.

Hurrah! Well done

Congratulations!