Worried about movements.

[Bubnbutton]

Hi,
I’m 26 weeks pregnant with my first. I understand movements aren’t really ‘regular’ until 28 weeks + but since Friday night I’ve only felt baby movement very very little. Just feels like the amniotic fluid moving rather than baby to be honest. No strong kicks or anything. Thursday night was the strongest it’s ever been, I thought it was going to burst through my stomach and since then nothing. I’m very close to phoning maternity unit but worried I’m time wasting or they will brush me off because I’m still technically classed as ‘irregular?’ Should I see what happens today or phone?

I’ve also done the usual, lie down/eat a snack which usually does something but nothing :(

If you’re at all worried call your maternity unit. You should have a number to call for movements, and talk to them. There are some things that can make movements harder to feel, such as an anterior placenta, but if you have previously felt strong kicks and now can’t then ask to go in and be checked for peace of mind.

@bubnbutton definitely give them a call if you're at all concerned! They won't think you're wasting their time 😊 give them a call sooner rather than later - stress won't be much good for you at this point, bless you ❤️

Please call your midwife or maternity ward. They will always check you out and they would always rather you call with a false alarm than miss something.

Ok thank you! I am in tears now.
Yes forgot to mention I do have an anterior placenta too, but always felt movement everyday. Definitely the quietest it’s been this weekend.

Ring hospital and go in. Do not worry about wasting their time.

I agree with others about phoning if you are worried but also please don't panic. Baby is still small and can turn and move to a position that movements aren't that noticeable (I have this even at 39 weeks of he turns to face my back). It's so stressful when they change their routine but that's what the maternity triage is for - to check for you that there isn't a problem. xx

Go in to the hospital, you're mental health is as important as anything else. They will be lovely with you and not shirty for wasting their time. Xx

I’ve felt the same at 24 weeks. I ate a twirl and had a can of coke (any excuse), then my on my left side in a quiet room for an hour and baby eventually started kicking.
I hope everything is ok. It’s likely baby has just moved into a position by the placenta and that’s why you can’t feel them.
Still worth giving triage a call. You aren’t wasting anyone’s time.
Take care xxx

Don’t work yourself up OP but do get checked out- you aren’t wasting anyone’s time. X

Thank you all for making me do it. I’m on my way in now.

Good luck, if you’re worried you should absolutely go in!

Hi I am 26 weeks also with an anterior placenta. My movements have also been intermittent and sometimes muted/more muffled than others (at times u can feel loads of strong movements). I also had an anterior placenta with my first baby. Having had consistent reduced with my 2nd baby (posterior placenta) I would say never be afraid to get it checked out. My 2nd was induced after a few episodes and lack of movements and it turned out that she was poorly and in need of an operation on her bowel. I know that it’s likely that it’s more to do with the anterior placenta and less any problems, but much better to be cautious. I have decided that I will get any movement concerns checked this time and not be willing to just put down to placenta. Don’t worry also if you have to go back multiple times. How did you get on this time?

First of all, if in doubt, always call MAU. Even if it's just to speak to someone for reassurance. It's always better to be safe than sorry.

Second of all, just to put your mind at rest a bit, this all sounds pretty normal (especially with an anterior placenta). I'm 35+3 with an AP and still have days where baby is quieter and movements feel softer/more muted. At 26 weeks your baby is still teeny with plenty room to move around and the slightesr change in position can affect what you can feel.
Hopefully hearing babies nice during heartbeat today will give you some much needed reassurance!

*strong heartbeat

I went in a few weeks ago and the midwife said they will check anyone over even if they have an anterior placenta (I don't but they didn't ask either way). Whilst this is a likely reason they don't want to make that assumption and miss something.
You are doing the right thing by going in. I hope all is OK.

Hi,

Thanks all so SO much. Heart heartbeat everything fine although they are worried I am measuring small so I’m going in for a growth scan tomorrow lunchtime. Felt it move about 5 times while in the hospital, every faint but still no kicks. Come home reassured and haven’t felt it since. I’m not worried because thankfully this morning has put me at rest but wish it would just move like it did before Friday again xx

Glad to hear that everything went ok. Don’t be afraid to get it checked out any time you are concerned.

I will, thank you @3isthemagicnumber3.
It sounds very like your story but still just as scary xx

@Bubnbutton how was the growth scan?

Good thank you. They watched for normal movements, saw it hiccuping but I couldn’t feel it 😢 but it weighs 2lbs 4oz so a great weight they said. It’s just unfortunate my placenta is at the front and it’s tucked up right at the top in my back rather than in my lower tummy (hence to bump being small)
😊 feel I can relax a bit more now xx

Ok, that’s great news, but don’t hesitate to go back in future if you have more concerns. The babies who are most at risk seem to be those who are small for gestational age and those who have a history of issues with movements

Oh that’s good to know!! And it’s my first so no history nor do I know what to expect or not.
They were so lovey as well and said I must go back if it happens again - so I won’t hesitate next time. Thanks so much xx