20 weeks and baby is no longer kicking

[mum2bemay22]

Ok so this might seem like I’m being over dramatic but I have been feeling baby move for 2 weeks now, he moves mainly at night time and he wriggles so much that sometimes you can see my belly move up on one side. For the last 2 days, I haven’t felt any movement at all, nothing. On our maternity packs it says to call the hospital immediately if you are 24 weeks and movement has stopped or been reduced but I’m only 20 weeks 3 days so feel I might be over reacting but at the same time I’m really concerned. I’ve called the doctors and requested for my MW to give me a call but she hasn’t. I’ve tried the usual things like laying down and drinking an ice cold drink to see if that moves him but nothing 😔. I’m going out of my mind!

I would ring the unit and insist that you are seen. If you refuse to take no for an answer you will be seen. I am sure everything is fine, but it won't hurt to get checked.

Call the local antenatal ward or hospital. You need to go in asap and be monitored. Please call immediately, as you'll have a queue when you go in anyway. Don't delay this one.

Also have you had your 20 week scan yet?

When are you having your 20 week scan? I hope the midwife calls but if you're worried, why not just call the hospital and see if they suggest you go in?

Go to the hospital or your midwife led unit, and be very firm (but calm) and say that you need someone to check the heartbeat. Whereabouts are you?

Thank you for such quick responses, my scan isn’t until Monday, my hospital won’t see me until I’m 21 weeks for some reason but hey ho! I’m in East Northamptonshire. I don’t know what to do with the hospital because they might think I’m ridiculous for phoning at 20 weeks, what do you all think?

Hiya, please try not to fret. I don't think at 20 weeks they would monitor you as they would at 24 weeks onwards, but its still worth telling your midwife your concerns so do keep on until you speak with her.
Baby is likely still small enough to not feel every movement he makes and if he changes position you probably feel loads less! He may have turned to face your back so he's kicking inwards if that makes sense. He may be curled up in a way you're not feeling his wiggles. Until they're bigger you can't really get too much of a consistent pattern which is why they give advice of 24 weeks onwards for monitoring movement.
I'm sure your midwife would have you in and listen for his heartbeat if you're very concerned. Try not to panic! I'm sure in no time he'll be back kicking you up a storm.

I would still call them regardless of whether you are 24 weeks or not, they'll be able to point you in the right direction and offer advice.

I had this around 19 weeks, my second pregnancy. I tried all the tricks to stimulate movement and couldn't get any response, so I went to the hospital early assessment unit near my work. The midwife wasn't particularly impressed (I didn't have my notes as wasn't expecting any issues) but all was fine. I suddenly felt movement whilst I sat in the waiting room!

If you can't get in at hospital, is there anywhere local that does private scans?

I would go for a private scan if my NHS scan wasn’t on Monday but doubt anywhere will get me in that quick. I’m considering ringing the unit at the hospital and just seeing what they think is best to do. I don’t want them thinking I’m being over dramatic (first baby and all that)

Ring the unit and ask for advice, but also do let your midwife know you're concerned and she may be able to get you in just to check his heartbeat on the doppler for reassurance. I honestly don't think the hospital would suggest having you on a trace at 20 weeks as baby is still just small enough to not feel movement sometimes.

I'm a nurse at an nhs hospital. It doesn't matter what the staff think - if you want to be checked, you be checked and don't even worry about what everyone else thinks/says. This is your baby!

Spoken with MW she was great and very understanding, she is letting me go along in the next hour to listen in for the heartbeat. Fingers and toes crossed that all is ok with him!!

Ring the hospital. They won't think your over dramatic. It's probably worth mentioning that you have felt a lot of movement before and that it was settled into a pattern. As a PP said the baby may have moved and changed position and as at 20 weeks you can't feel every movement. I was in three times with DS but even if they can't monitor you they will give you advice and definitely won't make you feel like a time waster x

Saw MW, he gave us a fright as no heartbeat came on the Doppler for what felt like ages, even MW was saying not to panic and then suddenly he came up ☺️ So relieved!! Thanks everyone!

I was told not by a perennial but it did work when my baby hadn't moved drink something cold don't know if they like it or hate it but it worked! Glad everything is ok