babies movement....help please going outta my mind!

[chowebella]

Hi everyone,

I'm currently 33 weeks pregnant, ftm. Baby is measuring 3 weeks ahead and I have an anterior placenta.
My baby has never been a really active mover but he has had his little pattern. The last 3 weeks his movements have slowed down drastically, I've been back and forth the day assesment unit many times when I get into an absolute state of panic because I haven't felt him in a few hours, however when then monitor him his movements and heartbeat are perfectly fine even though I can't feel the movements.
Considering I still have 7 weeks to go I don't know what to do, the midwife says if I don't feel him as much to go down but if I listen to that I'm goung to be down there every day as I never feel he is moving as much as he should be. I do the cold drink, lay down and sometimes he still won't move.
I suppose what I'm trying to ask is why can't I feel my baby, how am I supposed to make the judgement call of when to contact the hospital because of reduced movements when I feel everyday his movements are not enough?? I get myself in such a panic over this I'm usually in tears everyday.

I felt like you too, they are so precious it's natural to worry . I can't remember now but there is a set number of movements you are supposed to feel in a hour period.

If in doubt go midwife everyday! Have you a local midwife? What about hiring a doplar?

I would never want to discourage from going and getting monitored but to try and reassure you....

Movements do change as the baby gets bigger and has less room to move. They are all tucked up and less likely to spin around so often. What I'm trying to say is that movement does change as your pregnancy progresses so try to become aware of your baby's new normal rather than comparing to what you had previously - sensation of movement peaks between 28-32 weeks - so things are going to be different now. I'm 33+5 and things are so different now than they were.

Be reassured that your current pattern of movement, how ever reduced on what it was a few weeks ago, is normal for your baby at the moment as the good CTG traces show that.

My dd hardly ever moved. The mw actually got a bit cross I was letting it go so long. It was ignorance, not bravery. By the time I found out she should move more (or I should feel it) I was used to it.

I second suggestion you go for monitoring every day to be sure, I just tell you this so you be reassured you are being super cautious and not worry every day.

If it helps, dd was a fantastically chilled baby and was swaddled til she was nearly six mo. She was just not a squiggler..... Something she is making up for in spades at age 2.10

I'm only 25 weeks but I can't tell you how much getting a doppler has calmed me down. If I haven't felt it kick in a few hrs I do the old walk, eat, drink, lie routine and listen. It's so reassuring. All will be fine x

Just a word of caution on relying on a home Doppler for reassurance... They shouldn't be used as an alternative to CTG monitoring if you are worried as all they give you is a snapshot and it is the pattern of a heartbeat that shows how well baby is... Also the heart is the last thing to go so just because there is a heartbeat doesn't mean it's ok.... Sorry to be a downer. If your worried, get monitored.

I just wanted to add please don't worry about going to the hospital if you are worried - it's whatvthey are there for. If you have to go every day or so that's fine.

I'm 35 weeks and have been twice as my usually active baby seemed to be moving less (my placenta is posterior so I feel everything!). Each time they have put the monitor on and baby has had a party!!! Turns out it was just having a rest but nothing compares to the reassurance from professionals that all is well.

I felt bad the first time it happened but the staff were great and reassured me it was right to go in if I was worried.

Also, if you do get a doppler please remember that the heartbeat alone shouldn't really be taken as reassurance all is well. If you're still worried about movements go and get checked.

Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy x

Thanks ladies. I do have a dopler but don't like to use it as a definate reassurance baby is ok, they can pick up other sounds and my heartbeat and.I always panic that something don't sound right on there anyway. Its nice to hear that going to the hosp everyday won't turn me into a paranoid mum all the midwifes sigh and roll eyes at when i arrive everyday!
They have always been amazing down the hospital but I always feel like I'm taking a bed unecessary that maybe a mum and baby in more need than me need. I'm having another growth scan in a week maybe Il chat to my midwfe about my concerns then.

Its always nice to come on here and feel reassured by other peoples personal experiences so thank you all for your replies :)