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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Reduced movements

27 replies

Lemondrop99 · 21/09/2017 18:11

So I've been in four times over this pregnancy to be checked for reduced movements. Each time, thankfully, baby has been ok. I was given a growth scan at 30 weeks due to having been in twice. I was at the hospital again last week (37 weeks) and had another growth scan. Baby is growing well and ironically kicks up an utter storm when put on the monitor.

I haven't been entirely happy with his movements for the last week. He's moving, but not as frequently as he used too. However in this time, I've been monitored twice, had a growth scan and had his heartbeat checked by my GP at my 38 week appointment. No problems have been found.

I just don't know what to do. I just feel on edge the whole time. The midwives have been lovely and said to always go in and get checked if worries - but given the last week, you can see why I'm reluctant to go back in again. He's currently moving enough to not make me want to go in, but also not enough to make me fully relax.

I'm almost 39 weeks and I don't have another antenatal appointment until my 40 week due date. Thing is, a midwife friend said that after so many incidents of reduced movement, they should be thinking about inducing me (regardless of the fact no problems have been found). No one has mentioned possible induction to me. I just feel like I'm sitting here, not sure what to do. I wish my 38 week check had been with my midwife rather than my GP, then I could have asked about it.

I don't know if I'm being paranoid about movements or if I should push this further. It's hard to know what to do as he IS moving and I'm sure will suddenly kick up a storm if they monitor him and I'll look like an idiot.

Does anyone have any experience of this and know whether I should be asking about their thoughts on induction? Should I ask now or just wait it out until my due date? I don't want to be induced if possible, but I do wonder if I should be raising it with my midwife to at least know their position as it hasn't been mentioned

Sorry for the ramble.

OP posts:

WhatKatyDidnt · 21/09/2017 18:16

Feel for you OP. Yep, go in to be monitored and ask about it there.

Hammy12345 · 21/09/2017 18:21

Definitely get checked, even if it is just for reassurance. Midwife's would much rather you went to them than sit at home worrying.

SS81C · 21/09/2017 18:25

If you're not happy with movements you need to keep going in. Don't feel like you can't go because baby always wiggles when you go in....movements are the only way you have of telling your baby is ok. You won't look like an idiot.

It's likely they will induce you at some point particularly if you are over 37 weeks and they may not wait until your due date but that might depend on their policy.

You can always speak to your midwife (by leaving a mesaage) or speaking to your triage or assessment unit but in reality going in to the unit get checked is probably the best way to get something done about it and discuss induction or get a consultant appointment. Xx

Original poster

Lemondrop99 · 21/09/2017 20:25

Thanks for the replies. Just getting so miserable about this now. It's been a tough pregnancy with HG throughout and I just could do without this added stress. I drank some Lucosade and that got him wiggling. I might ring my midwife tomorrow and ask her if they have any further action planned regarding the reduced movement episodes or if they are happy everything is fine and that it's ok to wait for natural labour.

OP posts:

SS81C · 21/09/2017 21:20

Aw lovely, sounds like you've had a rubbish time. Not too much longer to go.

Even if the MW says they're happy for you to just carry on until you labour naturally you MUST go in if you aren't happy with movements. Personally I would say speak to the unit anyway today if you feel like baby isn't moving as much as he normally does....(I know it's so difficult because he is moving) even if it's just to get advice.

Naughty1205 · 21/09/2017 21:28

Definitely get it checked out, you're nearly there now, if you need reassurance a million times it'll be worth it for peace of mind.

Helbelle75 · 21/09/2017 21:29

Oh gosh, this was me earlier in the year. I went in 5 times for reduced movement and had severe anxiety towards the end of my pregnancy ( due mainly to a previous mmc).
The midwives were lovely and we did discuss induction at 38 weeks, but decided that I should go in for monitoring twice a week until 40 weeks, when i was due to be induced anyway as i'm over 40.
I ended up with a lengthy induction and an emcs, but most importantly a beautiful, healthy baby.
Any concerns ring the unit or your midwife. They will be able to discuss a plan with you, and good luck.

MadeForThis · 21/09/2017 21:37

I went in once for reduced movements. Everything was fine but they said if there was a second instance of reduced movements they would give me the option of an induction.
Definitely go on again of something doesn't feel right. Just as what their policy is regarding induction.

Original poster

Lemondrop99 · 21/09/2017 21:41

Thanks again all. He used to go through cycles of 3-4 quiet days then 3 active days. Monitoring his movements has always been very hard.

He's been at a constant lower level all week, he hasn't had his more active days. But he has been monitored several times in this period and no problems found. It's so confusing.

Today he's still been quiet, but active enough that I haven't felt the need to go in to the hospital. But also quiet enough to worry me a bit 🙄 He seems to have such big gaps between movements sometimes.

That's interesting Helbelle. I think I'd be happier if I had some sort of regular monitoring agreed, so I didn't have to stress about whether to go in or not. Instead, for the last few weeks, I'd know they were keeping an eye on him. I think I will call my midwife tomorrow to discuss how she thinks it's best managed.

OP posts:

ktkaye · 21/09/2017 21:46

I was like this with my son. I was positive his movements weren't rightly 30 weeks and despite him always moving about during monitoring I still wasn't happy and was so anxious. As it happened he arrived prematurely and they never really said why. My saying that will happen to you, especially as you are at term!! Take home message: always go in. In the end with me they could tell I was really worried so they booked me in every two days to keep an eye. Trust your instinct. In all probability everything is fine, but always worth being sure. Hope he or she arrives safely soon. X

DartmoorDoughnut · 21/09/2017 21:48

Def go get checked if you're concerned. Hope all is ok and your baby is safely here soon

Girlsworld92 · 21/09/2017 22:06

Go in. I was similar throughout my last pregnancy. Just couldn't relax. When I went in at 39 weeks they kept me and induced me. I think I was borderline pre-eclampsia though as I had swollen hands and kept getting flashes in my eyes. I didn't really ask too much as I'm easily scared. All ended well though. Don't risk it get checked x

asongforthelovers · 21/09/2017 23:16

Sorry to jump in. When should you call maternity with reduced movements? Is it no movements at all or very little?

Normally mine goes nuts at night but not been much? Is it best waiting until morning to phone? I'm 38 weeks pregnant.

asongforthelovers · 21/09/2017 23:17

over how long?

CountessOfStrathearn · 21/09/2017 23:20

asong, don't wait until morning if you are worried and it sounds like you are. Call the maternity unit if you feel that movements have changed and they should see you this evening. Hope all is well.

www.kickscount.org.uk/mums/your-babys-movements/

Ankleswingers · 21/09/2017 23:22

Always go with your gut.

If it doesn't feel right, you need to get it checked out.

You are the only person who knows what's normal kicks/ movements to you and what isn't .

I'm sure all is fine but definitely get checked.

Helbelle75 · 21/09/2017 23:23

Agreed. Ring them when you are concerned, whatever the time. Hope yoy're ok asong

DuggeeHugs · 22/09/2017 04:23

Contact them every time it happens. I had this with DD - ended up under the care of consultant and foetal health midwives rather than community midwife for third trimester. Was seen up to three times each week. It was only when DD was delivered safely by ELCS that we got answers to the reduced movement/growth scan/third trimester stress puzzle.

Keep getting checked as needed. Ask for their views on delivery and remember that you don't have to say yes to everything, you are allowed an input into your care too.

mysecret321 · 22/09/2017 05:20

Duggee can I ask what was wrong? My sister in law was in a similar position recently and they never got the answers..

DuggeeHugs · 22/09/2017 06:20

secret the surgeon told us she had the cord wrapped around her neck three times

Minutesalive · 22/09/2017 06:54

Same situation like duggee
I was always at the triage every other day and only after an emergency section found out the reason for the reduced movements which was the cord around the neck. Lucky to have my dc here really. Any reduced movements should be checked regardless of how many times it happens. If you turn up at triage no one will turn you away. Yes they might get a bit huffy but it's your baby not theirs so just ignore them.

mysecret321 · 22/09/2017 07:54

Thank you for letting me know girls

Original poster

Lemondrop99 · 22/09/2017 09:58

Hope you're ok Asong. Did you call/go in?

So I called my midwife this morning. She seems to think the 30 week reduced movements have probably been discounted as there was a 6 week gap before any more problems. So it's only really two recent visits that count (at 36 and 37 weeks), rather than four overall.

She couldn't do much except advise me to go in the next time I'm worried. She said things like extra monitoring, induction and checking placental blood flow would probably automatically be discussed at this stage, but to mention them if not.

So not entirely sure which way to jump. Baby actually woke up a bit at 11pm last night, and I've had two good lots of wriggles out of him today (where as sometimes I don't feel him until long after lunch), so feeling a bit less worried now. I certainly don't want to trigger induction unnecessarily! Problem is, the Day Assesment Unit is only open week days, so if I don't end up there today, I'll have to go to triage over the weekend which I'd rather not. I'll just keep an eye on him today, but currently don't feel the need to go in yet.

OP posts:

asongforthelovers · 22/09/2017 13:02

Hi everyone, he’s back to moving. I’ve been feeling a bit off past couple of days. He normally very quiet during the day and super active at night. It appears he was quiet yesterday and last night but very active today.

Hopefully 2 weeks to go, will be glad when it’s all over and can relax a bit 🙂

Original poster

Lemondrop99 · 22/09/2017 19:38

Ah, glad he's moving more and you're feeling better

Mine has also been moving more today (which does seem to confirm that he was being 'quiet' previously as I've noticed a marked difference in amount of movements). Feeling more relaxed now. If he slows down again, I will go in though.

OP posts:

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