5 days overdue, 3rd episode of reduced movement looking for advise

[Harrison241192]

Hi all,

Hoping you can share experiences or offer some advise.

I’m currently 5 days overdue, today when I got up there was something different about babies movements, I could feel them but nowhere near what we usually have in a morning. I called my maternity triage and explained this and the lady was lovely said it’s best just to get checked but they sent me to the antenatal day unit at my local hospital not where I’ll be giving birth as they don’t have that facility there no more (they closed it due to midwife shortage) it was honestly the worst experience ever, the midwife made me feel silly for coming in and I explained I had originally phoned for advise. Then I was talking about the birth centre at my hospital and she told me I won’t be giving birth there now was I’m now a high risk pregnancy due to this been my 3rd episode of reduced movement. I have been in previously at 28 weeks and 34, both time’s as soon as they put the monitor on baby has been active as anything, but the Midwife’s have been lovely about it.

In my opinion and I’d never put my baby at risk, I’m not a high risk pregnancy, everything has been absolutely fine and I feel a little down that now I’ve asked for advise and been asked to go in today I’m now not allowed to be on the MLU (even though it’s attached to labour ward) and I can’t have a water birth. What are my rights here? Can I contest it as such. I think it’s a little mad I made it clear that I had felt baby move but it was different but not sure if this is cause I’m 5 days overdue etc etc it’s my first baby so if anything I was over cautious.

The whole experience this morning has really upset me, she wasn’t a personable midwife at all and I honestly feel so down about it.

Sorry for the essay! X

I don't know about the rules but it sounds like bullshit to me. Call the midwife number on your notes and speak to them. For each shit midwife there is an amazing one so someone will clarify for you. Good luck

Have you been put under the consultant for reduced movement? If not then you'd still be under midwife and able to go to MLU as far as I'm aware. However I do know if you present a certain number of times with reduced movement you get moved to consultant led care.

Are you sure theres no water birth facilities on the labour ward? On my labour ward there are provisions for a water birth, just like on MLU.

Hi @UrsulaSings thanks for your reply, no I’ve not been put under a consultant or even seen one. I’m seeing my actual midwife today so will see what she says. I’m not sure if there is a pool on the labour ward, it’s just all very contradictory what she’s said to me, I was literally in 20 mins. I’m high risk now but not seen a consultant, she then said she can see from all my notes I’m not high risk, but yet she’s booked me for a high risk induction. It’s just really upset me, I’ve not slept all night and I just feel so on edge

Just go to the unit now, say you are overdue and babies movements have changed. Refuse to go home, get induced or c section but if you really feel baby is not moving properly, shout as loud as you can until the get that baby out. Trust your instinct.

And forget about your idea of the perfect water birth, the only thing that matters now is getting your baby out safe and well. Trust me OP.

It feels like a trick doesn’t it? They repeatedly tell you to phone if you notice any changes in movement which you did and then you’re filed into high risk category when it seems your baby is fine! I would ask why monitoring your baby makes you higher risk?! Surely if nothing is wrong when they monitor then the risk hadn’t increased, you’ve been understandingly concerned but in fact all is fine!
I’m 41+ 1 today and just realising the confusing contractions of the maternity experience! Hopefully you’re midwife will make more sense today x

I had this OP, initially they wouldn't let me on the birth centre due to two episodes of reduced movement, however if they can give you a scan and it all looks fine I was allowed to go back there. So might be worth asking about that.

A lot of trusts have a guideline that if you present with reduced movements past your due date you should be offered induction and become high risk. This is because there is a very very small increased risk of stillbirth once you are past your due date.

You were right to get checked out for your telephone query. Reduced movements or ‘different’ movements are always worth monitoring and reassurance.

You can always make your own decision and go against guidelines. Generally they exist for a reason, and because your baby has been flagged up as a potentially sluggish mover and post dates it would be recommended to have continuous monitoring in labour (not in water unfortunately) and get them out sooner. It’s unfortunate that the midwife didn’t explain this more clearly or compassionately.

I had 3 lots of reduced movements with mine and we induced immediately on th 3rd instance. That was 1 day before his due date. I would discuss with your midwife whether induction would be recommended at this point. Reduced movement late on can signal the placenta starting to fail. As in not giving baby the energy they need.
Ultimately decision is up to you but its risky if baby isnt moving in their normal pattern.

I'm 38+3 today and have been in for monitoring twice, at 28 and 32 weeks and was oblivious to this 'rule' until the second time I attended..
One more attendance for reduced movements puts me at high risk and the option to birthing at MLU taken away!

I was really shocked when I was told this too, as thankfully baby has been happy and healthy both times.. I have an anterior placenta too, so it's likley that this is the cause for feelings of reduced movements but this isn't taken into consideration for any of the above.
Regardless of this 'rule' I will still be going in if I feel babys movements have changed, however I will definitely be arguing to keep MLU as an option if all is well with baby!

Aslong as baby is healthy and there are no concerns, I would definitely argue your case 💛
Hope all works out for you and your little one x

Just go to the unit now, say you are overdue and babies movements have changed. Refuse to go home, get induced or c section but if you really feel baby is not moving properly, shout as loud as you can until the get that baby out. Trust your instinct.

^^ this

Hope all goes well

@sothebellsring I went yesterday, that’s when I posted and I was there 20 mins in total all
Was absolutely fine as it has been before when I’ve gone. The post was to ask about other people’s experience as now because I called for advise yesterday and they told me to go in I’m now classed as high risk

My unit encourages induces after a third episode of reduced movements.
Speak to your midwife about what options and facilities are available to you. My maternity led unit has 2 pools for water births and the consultant unit has 1. We can turn down the lights and bring our own battery candles and anything else that might help us stay calmer and relaxed. I hope you do get the maternity led birth you want but that is not to say you can't get a birth close to what you would like.