Can't sleep, can't feel baby's movements

[f1sher]

I'm 18+4 and last week I thought I started to feel movements, like very rapid flutters. They weren't in a pattern or anything and might still have been wind, but I thought they were more like movements.

I've just had a really busy weekend and I haven't felt any baby movements for a couple of days - I'm trying to recall the last time I definitely felt something but I'm double and triple guessing myself so can't be sure.

I'm lying here awake tossing and turning worrying if something is wrong, if I've done something wrong, or even if perhaps I was mistaken about these "movements" in the first place.

I plan to ring the MW when morning comes around but just wanted to put this up here for now, to try and get the worry out of my head. I hope I'm overreacting.

Hi op, I definitely think if you're worried you should speak to your midwife.

Had you been able to establish a time when baby was usually active? I know what you mean about second guessing yourself, I wasn't sure I'd even felt movements till around 23 weeks. I probably had but I wasn't sure! I had s couple of episodes of reduced movements later in pregnancy and midwives were always lovely, I always felt a nuisance phoning but they never made me feel silly

This is a bit of a ramble but giving you a handhold anyway

When did you start feeling baby's movements? Has there been a pattern to them? I don't think I started feeling consistent movement until about 22 weeks.
However, if you're at all concerned, ring the unit. There's always someone there. I also had a kicks count bracelet, so i could keep track.
I went in 5 times for reduced movement and rang up for advice a couple of times too and everyone was very lovely.
I was hugely anxious during my pregnancy due to a previous loss, but i mentioned it to my midwife so they were aware. It might be worth having a chat with yours so they can support you.
Honestly, my anxiety didn't go until dd was safely here. I still worry of course, but I can see her now which makes it a lot easier.

Please don't think you've done anything wrong. I'm not sure if the usual methods of waking baby up work at 18w but have you tried cold class of water, jiggle tummy and lay on your left side? That always woke up my DS. If your that worried, don't wait till morning, call your emergency unit at your maternity unit and go in for monitoring. Please don't feel silly calling them as they would rather you go in a thousand time and you both be ok.
I'm awake if you need a hand hold

It's probably that they've gone unnoticed while you've been busy. If it helps, I felt similar at that point, but by no means every day. Speak to your midwife in the morning.

Hi @Sittingintheshade, thanks for your reply.

I've been more aware of movements around bedtime, or in the middle of the night when I'm awake (having trouble sleeping through ATM), but nothing tonight.

I'm just hoping baby has curled up somewhere where I can't feel them. I know DH will tell me not to worry (he never seems to worry about anything) but I just can't help it.

Thanks to all for the hand holds xx

Hate to say it but you'll start worrying now and never stop!! Health visitor told me her mother thought she'd stop worrying at some point but still worrying and hv is nearing 60! It's impossible to turn off

Truly though, you can ring your midwife unit 24/7. Might help set your mind at ease

It's normal not to feel movements on a daily basis until 23-24 weeks or so. Until then, you can easily go several days without feeling them due to distraction, baby's position etc. However if you're concerned you can always call midwife for reassurance or checking.

Ps there is literally nothing possible you could have "done wrong" so put that out of your mind.

I could have written this last week. I'm 19+2 today and have felt movements from 16/17 weeks. They were very inconsistent movements though and still are. I feel nothing some days and more other days. I think it's normal at this stage.

It's normal not too feel a lot of movements at this stage and probably won't develop a pattern until a few more weeks, my midwife told me that after 28 weeks is when women are more likely to work out baby's pattern. If you are worried though call your midwife.

Thanks everyone. I spoke to the midwife team and they advised drinking something cold, eating something sugary and lying down for an hour so I will try that. It's entirely possible that I didn't actually feel movements last week, so have to keep that in mind.

Feel so tired after my bad nights sleep, I'm working from home today so at least can put my feet up and try to be kind to myself, in my own worst enemy! X

Hi, i felt my first movements at week 18 but they were very sporadic and didn't establish a pattern until I was maybe 23 weeks along. I'd definitely do what the midwives have suggested but at this early stage it's not uncommon for there to not be a pattern, and the movements can change at any time as well. It's not usually until later on you'll have to be more aware, so just relax a little bit and know you're not the cause of any changes! Mine have changed but purely because he's shifted position recently so I'm having to get used to his new rhythms. But always phone the midwife if you're worried again in future, don't feel like you're pestering them :)

I felt my baby really strongly for a week or so, and then it stopped. I was so worried. Went for my 20 week scan and there she was, wriggling and somersaulting like crazy - she'd just moved into a position where I couldn't feel her! It was very reassuring to see that she could actually be moving around but I just couldn't feel anything.

Thank you @deaddoorpost and @peachgreen x

Hope you have managed a rest and felt some movements

Hope you're feeling ok op and have felt baby xx