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Original poster

Lack of baby movements

127 replies

KyraK · 10/12/2019 22:34

Hi ladies,
I’m at my wits end, and I’m hoping that someone here can shed some light on this issue.
Im pregnant with baby number three, and didn’t feel movements with this one until 21 weeks.
At my 26 week check my midwife asked me about movements, and I told her I barely feel any.
I was sent for an emergency scan and the baby did not move at all.
Fast forward to now, I am 35 weeks pregnant. The last nine weeks I’ve had numerous scans, CTG’s and been admitted overnight twice.
There have been five ultrasounds where baby doesn’t move. At all. Literally, all you see is the heartbeat.
None of the doctors know why, and because the heart/lungs/brain/placenta are all fine, they can’t understand what’s going on. I keep being told ‘I’ve never seen anything like it’
I’m beside myself and was hoping there was someone here with a similar story who has a happy ending to share?
xx

OP posts:
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Nanmumandmidwife · 11/12/2019 15:48

@KyraK how did you get on today?

WellErrr · 11/12/2019 15:52

I’d question them as to why they aren’t doing anything else.

peachgreen · 11/12/2019 16:00

I really hope everything works out for you OP, will be thinking of you and baby.

Nixen · 11/12/2019 16:04

I would second the recommendation to go to the FMC on Harley St

twoturtledove · 11/12/2019 16:07

Thinking of you OP Thanks

Original poster
KyraK · 11/12/2019 16:26

Hi everyone,

Thank you for the well wishes. Baby was very quiet on the CTG, so I had to keep moving position until they could see movement. I was quite emotional and cried all over one of the midwives. She said she totally understands, and that having mixed messages from various doctors on the ward must be upsetting.

They are continuing to monitor me until next Thursday, when I am seeing the consultant. I’m taking my OH with me to that apportionment, as I know he will be more forceful than me.

I have another CTG on Friday, a scan on Monday, then another CTG on Wednesday. They say the same thing each time I leave ‘come back if you are worried’ But I’m worried ALL the time, so I’m at a loss of what to do aside from what they are currently suggesting.

X

OP posts:
Nanmumandmidwife · 11/12/2019 18:22

It feels that the team are missing the point here. You not feeling baby moving is a reason for checking. As I understand this, your baby has actually not been seen moving normally at any time.
Usually when babies movements slow down or are reduced, our concern is indeed the risk of stillbirth, usually due to placental problems developing. If your baby has never been seen moving normally the questions are quite different and need to be taken very seriously. It is not normal for a baby to be still when scanned. This should be cause for a review by a national specialist, whether through the NHS or privately. I desperately hope that your baby will be one who suprises everyone by moving vigorously as soon as he/she is born, but with the history as described here I would strongly suggest that there should be planning in case he/she continues to show minimal movement after birth. Early delivery won’t help in that situation.
I am sorry to sound so negative @KyraK, but time is short before baby is due to be born.
If you need help to get a second opinion please just ask

CloudyVanilla · 11/12/2019 18:53

Oh dear OP this all sounds so very stressful.

I think if I were you honestly, I would be up there constantly requesting monitoring and expressing your feelings that something obviously isn't right. Not requesting monitoring because you expect to see anything different, but because as Nanmummidwife says, I cant believe doctors aren't taking this more seriously and I'd want to be vocalising to as many people as possible that I felt a proper opinion was sought by someone who has experience with this.

Because it sounds like they don't know what's going on and therefore aren't taking it seriously by being reassured by the heart beat etc, when really someone should be finding out what the root cause could be!

I'm 34 weeks myself and am really stressed on your behalf :(

CloudyVanilla · 11/12/2019 18:57

Also I really don't want to upset you and I was very hesitant to post this as I know this is your real life and real little baby so I really apologise if I shouldn't mention, but a quick google of "baby doesn't move on scans" brings up some genetic conditions that could be the cause and it really sounds like something that needs to be investigated just in case Flowers

Krazynights34 · 11/12/2019 19:03

I would also urge you to see a fetal medicine specialist if you can. Again, hope all will be well. If I can help PM me as I have my only DC who didn’t move at all at 12 week scan, perfect organs etc but she does have serious problems. I won’t go into it as hearing the not so good stories isn’t helpful.
Are her limbs always in the same position? Hand over head, legs crossed?

Krazynights34 · 11/12/2019 19:22

Apologies- no idea where I got the idea your baby was a her... I’m too sleep deprived!

Original poster
KyraK · 11/12/2019 20:49

So I’ve seen a man from the Harris Birthright Centre, he did my scan at my local hospital on Monday. The baby didn’t move, so he sent me away for a drink. When I came back the baby moved his hand and foot ever so slightly. So the man said ‘I’ve seen one foot movement and one hand movement, so I’m not worried. But he is a passive baby and I couldn’t feel any movement through the probe’

I came away feeling really confused- he is a Fetal expert so surely he would’ve noticed if something was wrong?

My 12 week and 20 week scan were fine, although I can’t remember if baby moved or not. I’ve had numerous scans since then, and movement has only been seen on two of them. Even then it’s just slight movement.

I do have some days when I have felt him, but they aren’t feelings like I had with my other two. They feel odd, I can’t explain it?

I don’t know where to turn from here as every time I’m in hospital I’m told ‘baby is growing, vital signs are all fine’

OP posts:
Nanmumandmidwife · 11/12/2019 21:35

This is not normal. It is not ok the way you are being fobbed off. You can ask for a referral to see a specialist at Kings (preferably Prof Nicolades personally) or see him or Prof Basky Thilaganathan (based at Georges) privately. They are both top specialists and I would be amazed it either of them was so dismissive of your concerns.
As I have said I really want to be wrong about this but I am very concerned for you and feel that there is massively inadequate planning and care going on here.

laIa3 · 11/12/2019 22:13

I'm angry for you and actually this thread has made me realise how bitter I still am towards the hospital that dismissed me. No one should have to go to the hospital everyday to check that their baby is okay to be dismissed.
So I used to go to the hospital everyday before they eventually agreed on and gave me time slots for daily monitoring. I suggest you go back tomorrow and if they ask why you just say you haven't felt your baby move.
Get it in writing that you are very concerned for the health of your baby and you have asked for early induction but have been dismissed. This should scare them as heaven forbid anything went wrong your concerns are there in writing and they will have to be held accountable.
Finally, just keep going day by day, your baby boy will soon be here and this will seem like a bad dream.

Original poster
KyraK · 11/12/2019 22:26

Thank you both for your replies. I feel more confident in putting my opinion forward now.

I suppose my only regret is that I didn’t demand this earlier; I have gone along with the hospitals wishes for extra scans and ctgs as I trusted them. If I could’ve done something to help my baby, and I didn’t, I won’t ever forgive myself.

OP posts:
Nanmumandmidwife · 11/12/2019 22:32

I am glad that you feel that this is empowering you. If you need/want a professional advocate it is what I do very frequently and would be happy to work with you.
Please don’t just get persuaded that early induction is a good decision. It can be if movements have significantly creased. Your situation is quite different and being born early may just add to the issues for your little one. You need someone to come up with a possible explanation about what is going on and from that make a plan of care which includes thinking about what your baby may need after birth.
Please try not to blame yourself. You have, very reasonably, trusted your healthcare providers and when you have started to have doubts you are taking action. You are clearly a good and loving mummy. Stay strong and shout if you need support. I am not far away from you x

FebMama2Be · 11/12/2019 22:36

I cant even imagine what you must be going through at the moment. I couldn't read and run - wanted to wish you and little one all the best 🌺 I genuinely hope you get all the answers you need very soon !

Original poster
KyraK · 11/12/2019 22:56

Thank you all, I shall keep you updated with our situation xx

OP posts:
SleepWarrior · 11/12/2019 23:00

Don't torture yourself with regret. If there is anything wrong (and you have some lovely accounts here that suggest it's very much an if), it is likely to be in the category of things that cannot be addressed until birth as opposed to the 'quick get it out now' kind. Plus your baby is growing and appears to be healthy, and you've previously had no reason to think the professionals aren't giving you the best info - so as a mother you have no need for even a shred of guilt or 'why didn't I xyz'.

Yes, I think I would now be dialling up the need for answers/second opinions etc, but you're doing that so please be kind to yourself. Flowers

RandomMess · 11/12/2019 23:33

I can completely see why early induction may not be best, what I cannot accept is their lack of referring you to specialists as it cannot be at all "normal" for a baby to move so little on the cumulative hours of traces and scans.

SirVixofVixHall · 11/12/2019 23:44

I have been thinking of you all day OP. I very much hope you get seen by someone specialist asap.

3luckystars · 12/12/2019 08:06

Well you should have a paediatrician at the birth regardless.

Ask them to write these things on your notes. Best of luck, I hope you get some answers soon x

CloudyVanilla · 12/12/2019 14:09

Good luck OP,

If you do have the time do you think you would be able to go in and insist on monitoring as others have suggested? I'm here right now and they are very supportive; part if the monitoring is also you counting movements so perhaps someone else will see and finally take you seriously xxxx

CloudyVanilla · 12/12/2019 14:09

Oops sorry for all of those kisses!

TildaTurnip · 12/12/2019 14:18

I agree with writing your concerns and lack of action by them as well as getting a second opinion. I was induced at 37+1 with only reduced movements.