A day of reduced movement..normal now?

[Dorset555]

Hi there just wondered if anyone had experienced this or could offer any thoughts.
I fine the monitoring of movement quite tricky.. the more I think about it the more paranoid I get! But on boxing day the baby was pretty quiet and I was thinking about maybe going to get checked out. The next day back to bouncing around and has been ever since. Is this cause for concern or is this normal? Can they just have quiet days or possibly just thinking about it at different time of day from a regular working day routing. Thanks guys!!! I'm 35 weeks xx

Hiya,
I remember having days exactly like that but I would always get checked out for your peace of mind too :).. congratulations xxx

I think the advice is that any reduced movements should be investigated, but as you say it's often hard to keep track when out of your routine. I found the count the kicks app really helpful. My midwife used to say never to feel bad about phoning up for reduced movement, that they would much rather you do so and it turn out to be nothing!

Well, it depends if you think the movements were actually reduced or you just weren't paying as much attention. I'd often wake up convinced I hadn't felt kicks at the same frequency as usual but when I actually put my hand on my stomach and counted there were a normal amount. I would use a kick counting app to record kicks (I used one that just had you record how long it took to get ten movements) and record them at a couple of points during the day (I chose a usually quiet time and a usually active time). Do that once or twice a week and then if you're ever concerned you can lie down and count and see if movements are actually reduced or if your perception is just off.

If I were you I'd not be worried enough to go in, but if you're concerned then it's best to do so.

If you believe movements are reduced, please please go and get checked out. I had an EMCS at 35+1 as one twin had stopped moving - I had no idea as the other moved a lot. I just wasn’t feeling well, hard to explain but not right and thought I was possibly leaking fluid but it has completely stopped so I went to bed knowing I had a midwife visit the next day. She said I should get checked out - went in, he wasn’t moving, had caesarean right away. If I had waited another night he definitely wouldn’t be here. Obviously you can feel your baby moving now which is good but call if you’re at all concerned and if it happens again, go in. Staff won’t mind at all and would much rather you go in and all is fine than you not go at all.

Thanks so much for the comments ladies and I'll def go in if I sense a reduction again...but do you think I need to go in now? Now that movement is back to normal and has been for a few days? Thanks

I think you should go with your gut, OP. Are you worried? If so, go in. If you aren't, then I don't think you have to.

Or, if you're not worried, call the hospital and tell them what you've told us and that you're not worried, then see what they say. They'll likely make a note of it but tell you you're ok to stay home for now. Mine always put a lot of stock in maternal instincts.

I had this a couple of times towards the end of both pregnancies but particularly with second. I phoned for advice and they had me in for monitoring. Please, please get some advice on this. It’s probably all absolutely fine but any changes should be checked. Don’t leave it until the morning if you’re worried x

Thanks thats good advise ill do that - I don't think im worried as so much movement these last few days. I've got a midwife appointment tomorrow too. Thanks so much!!

Hope all is okay OP. I didn’t mean for my post last night to be frightening, it’s just something I’m very vocal about now because of what happened to us. I was very much of the mindset that I didn’t want to be a bother and that was the first time I’d gone in with concerns - I absolutely wouldn’t have gone if my midwife hadn’t been overly cautious and said I should really be checked out and I felt very silly when I arrived to be honest. That very quickly changed when they put me on a monitor but I was apologising to everyone at first for being any trouble. I still don’t know what happened or why, or whether me feeling unwell was related but if I were ever pregnant again I would definitely trust my instincts more. If you’re concerned, always call them - they take reduced movements very seriously. It’s great that your baby is moving normally now but if it happens again, don’t wait. And always go back if it happens again, even if you’ve just been in the day before. Movements are the best way to know whether your baby is well. Really hope all is okay

Not at all thanks so much for your comments! I had a midwife appointment today and all seemed fine and she reiittterated the exact same as you...any worry just come in. I will be sure to do that if I gave any concerns going forward!
Honestly maximum respect to women...pregnancy is so hard! So many things to think/worry about...being aware of any changes in movement 24/7 is the tip.of the iceberg :-)
Thansk for the help and support! X