MAU due to movements (sweep?)

[AllAboutSheZ]

Hi everyone,

Just need a few fresh opinions to help me see clearly. Maybe tell me everything is fine, or everything isn't fine at all?

I am currently 39 weeks pregnant, I have a complicated pregnancy and birthing history (which I wouldn't go into - but involves the loss of a baby), which means I see a consultant as well as a midwife.

I am feeling extremely anxious at the moment, and I'm sure it's normal when you only have a week to go, but it seems to be consuming me. I have spoke to my consultant about my anxiety a few times, and he is very sympathetic and reassures me he won't let me go over my due date (although this isn't in writing).

Baby has always had a pretty distinctive movement pattern, but it slowed way down at 36 weeks. The movements were less, and not as strong. I went to my local MAU, and they were happy with baby and his movements. The movement pattern hasn't returned so I've accepted that it must have changed. All appointments with midwifes and consultant reassure me that everything is fine. I've also had a scan since then, and baby appears fine.

On Wednesday evening I hadn't felt baby move much. With midwifes advice I ate something sugary and had lots of water. It helped, and he started to move a little. I know I should have insisted on being seen on Wednesday, because I still felt anxious. Yesterday movements were pretty much back to the new 'normal'. Today baby has moved lots, and it seems to be now out of the new 'normal'.
I feel silly, but feel like I need to go to MAU to check that baby isn't distressed. Would you go?

I follow 'kicks count', and know the importance of movements, but do feel like I'm being over dramatic sometimes due to my anxiety.

If I were to go to MAU tonight (which I think I will - I'm just waiting for DH to return home from work and il call them), do you think due to my history and anxiety they would be willing to do a sweep today? Or would they do anything else?

I don't think I can go another week (when I see my consultant), to discuss plans of what to do next. I'm so worried something is going to happen to my baby, and il lose this baby too.

Would love to hear your thoughts?
Thank you for reading and sorry it was so long!

Go and get seen
No good for you and baby if you're feeling anxious. I'm sure midwives rather you be over cautious than not.
I'm sure all is fine but I'd go get checked.
My movements increased a few days before labour??
Sending hugs your way

Please go back today itself.
I am so sorry about the loss of your baby.

I don't have any experience of sweep but my movements had also slowed down by 36 weeks. There were movements but not as before by 37 weeks. My anxiety was through the roof as my mother had lost her first born sleeping and so did my friend 3 months before my due date. I could bat
To cut a long story short, they did monitor me and there was movements but not enough for me to feel it. I was prepped for a section and when baby was born the cord was around the neck which was reducing the movement. If I had waited till due date, I dread to happen what would have happened. I don't mean to scare you, I just want you to go to hospital to have the movements checked.

You should always go, for you - reassurance is really important, and everyone would rather you went on than didn't.

I'm not sure whether a sweep would be warranted - probably depends on how your cervix is presenting (it might not be possible at this [relatively early] stage).

I hope all goes well for you from here, and I hope you get to meet your baby safely very soon.

Sorry I left midway! I just mean to say all will be fine and baby will be fine x

Thank you for your replies everyone, I really appreciate it. It's nice to hear I'm not being over the top.
I called them, and have been told to go in to be assessed at 8pm. The midwife on the phone made me feel a bit silly though when I said he had been moving loads today which isn't like him. She gave me a long 'ok', as if to say 'is that it?', but agreed to see me as I insisted.
I'm pleased I've gone with my gut feeling though, my worry is baby is distressed and that is why he is moving lots. If I can see he isn't distressed, then at least I won't be so anxious.
Thanks again, Il update after I've been seen.

Hi OP, glad you were able to convince them to see you. how did your assessment go.
Hope you and baby are doing well!

Thinking of you x

Really hope all is okay OP and so glad you went in, you are more than deserving of reassurance and you should always trust your gut.

Hope everything is okay, no one should male you feel silly especially given your history which they will see from your notes and especially at this late stage so that has made me a bit for you.

Good luck, I would really speak to your consultant too and make sure an induction is being arranged as your due date is getting so close now.

Hi everyone,
Sorry for the delay in response. I went in and ended up waiting 2 hours to be seen, so I was in a rush to get home and go to bed.
They put me on the monitor for 20 minutes, and sent me on my way. Didn't do much in reassuring me, just said they were very busy and baby was fine.
Baby has been moving as usual this morning, but if anything changes then il be going back. I have a midwife appointment on Wednesday, but if I feel I need to see someone sooner I may call them first thing Monday morning. They close over the weekend, and advise to go to the hospital (same place I went last night) instead.
Really hoping baby arrives this weekend, as I think that's going to be the only time I'm going to be reassured he is ok. Pregnancy feels a life time long!
Thank you for your kind words, and handholds. They were much needed, and very appreciated!

You can ask to be induced now if you wish. My DSIS is an obstetrician and says all women are entitled to induction at 39 weeks if they want it.

thanks for the update. glad all is well. good luck with the birth! x