Reduced movement - confused - when to worry?

[BushyKate]

I thought I knew the advice about movement but I am still really confused about what to do in this particular situation. Any advice/thoughts would be very much appreciated...

I am 36 +1 (2nd baby), saw my MW on Thurs, who said baby was suddenly measuring small for dates (according to bump measurement) and that she is breech (started another thread on this). She said to keep a close eye on movements. I have a scan on Wed. Since then baby has been moving very well - until yesterday evening when I noticed she was quieter than usual.

Through the night I kept noticing she wasn't moving much if at all (usually she kicks lots whenever I am awake) and then at 6am I couldn't get her to move at all for about 45 mins - despite drinking cold water, poking her lots, lying on side etc. She NEVER does this so I was v scared. Eventually she started moving (not loads, but a few prods and stretches) and I was exhausted so fell asleep. This morning at 845 she still seemed v quiet so I rang the hospital day unit. They said to lie on my side after having breakfast and cold drink and count kicks for two hours. I did this (just stopped) and did feel about 10-15 movements. Less than I would usually expect but definitely there. I am now sitting upright and she is moving around again as I type.

So, I am wondering what to do now? Just keep a close eye on things? Sorry for the essay The overnight thing has just really scared me and was definitely different from her usual pattern.

Sorry realised that was a bit unclear - haven't had scan yet, it's this coming Wednesday.

If you are worried go and get them to put you on a monitor. Basically anything that is not normal for your baby should be looked into (even increased movement)

The mws will be happier to see everything is ok than if you don't get checked out and something is wrong.

I hope you can get reassurance soon!

I'd call them back, tell them it's much less than usual and go in. Better be safe than sorry.

Thanks. It's just that they said only to call back if I hadn't had 10 movements in 2 hours... that's their threshold.

Try icecream.

I would lie. You are aware there is a need to monitor movements closely, baby isn't moving as much as normal regardless of their 'threshold' therefore, it seems sensible to go in & get it checked. They're hardly going to get you arrested for worrying (and not unduly in this instance IMO).

Good luck, sure baby will have a good old fidget as soon as the monitor goes on!!

Bushykate- I would call back, even lie about not feeling 20 movements in the 2 hours. It us all about baby's routine and anything that is out if ordinary, wether that be reduced or increased movements. (Have a look on the count the kicks website, sorry I can't link to it, I am in my phone.)
I would be doing everything I could to put on the ctg machine for a trace.
Please let us know his things are.

From other threads I've read on here my advice would be to lie through your teeth. If you're not happy then call back and say you've done everything they asked, and still too few movements. At least that way you get in, you get monitored and you get peace of mind xx

Oops sorry for the appalling spelling, I have fat fingers!

How ridiculous that they even have a threshold for this kind of thing.

I would call them back and tell them you are going in to be checked. Dont ask them, just go.

This isn't something that should be left to chance.

Lie, absolutely. I can't believe they have a threshold, how utterly ridiculous. Don't let them take risks with your baby.

You go in and get checked. Ring ahead if you wish but tell them you are concerned and you are coming in.

Thanks v much all. Just rang again, spoke to someone different, she said to come in. Husband coming back 5 mins and then we're going. Didn't lie but just told her everything and that I was very concerned.

Well done - this is the right thing to do.

Glad they are taking you seriously, fx that everything is ok!

I'm glad they have listened to you. Hope everything is ok, I will be thinking about you.

Good for going in hun. I had same kind of issue last week, had way more than 10 movements but my LO usually doesn't stop while I'm awake. I went in for monitoring and all was fine (as I'm sure it will be with you). Felt a little bit like I was making a big deal out of nothing but I'm glad I went in as the movements were not normal for my LO. I did get told in hosp that once I'd counted 10 movements in a day I could stop counting! I often get 10 movements in about 20 mins so for that to happen then her be still for the rest of the day is not normal so will not be taking that advice!!!

Thanks so much all, back from hospital now. All was ok but am definitely glad I went in. They said to call back if it happens again but trace etc was good. Am feeling v relieved and baby still moving well :)

Glad things are ok with baby!

That's great news hun, I reckon the majority of the time things like this are fine but you really don't want to assume. x

Excellent news, at least you can relax a bit now. I hope everything goes well with your scan on wed.

Great stuff :) Hopefully no more scares for you and she keep wriggling :)