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Original poster

Stupid question re reduced movements

69 replies

Mybobowler · 05/09/2021 09:33

You wouldn't know that this is my second baby, I feel so daft.

What counts as reduced movements, and where is the line between being neurotic and being sensibly cautious?

26+5 with a low anterior placenta, but I've been feeling strong movements since around 19 weeks. He's definitely in a pattern now - lots of movement mid-morning, after lunch and then he has an after-dinner disco before I go to bed. In between, I'll have gentle kicks through the day. He has had a few quieter days over the last couple of months but just as I start to worry, he wakes up and starts wriggling again.

Since yesterday mid-afternoon, I've felt very little and nothing like his normal movements. A few gentle nudges and rolls, but not much more. I was fretting last night but talked myself out of calling triage, felt nothing overnight (I was awake for an hour or so at around 3am), and very little again this morning. I just called triage and the midwife was a bit dismissive - told me to have a cold drink and lie down and then call back if no change. I've obviously done that, but still not really getting anything more than a few flutters and very light kicks.

Should I call them back, or are they only really interested if you have no movement at this relatively early stage??

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mumofmunchkin · 05/09/2021 09:37

Call them back, don't ignore reduced movements.

mumofmunchkin · 05/09/2021 09:37

It's a change in the pattern you're looking for, rather than no movements, so what you've said definitely qualifies.

CornishTiger · 05/09/2021 09:38

Please call back and be seen. Drinking a cold drink is just such poor old fashioned advice.

CornishTiger · 05/09/2021 09:40

Sorry can’t find the UK version.

www.abc.net.au/news/2016-09-02/ama-president-disputes-guidelines-on-stillbirth-prevention/7805260

TenThousandSpoons · 05/09/2021 09:42

www.kickscount.org.uk/

Please get seen right away.

merrygorounds0 · 05/09/2021 09:55

The midwife absolutely should not have been dismissive. They want to see you if there is a change in movements, not just for no movements.

Original poster
Mybobowler · 05/09/2021 10:09

Thanks everyone. Just called back and, again, they were a bit dismissive (different midwife) - just said that all they can do is listen with a doppler and "you can come in if you want to", "we can listen in if it'll make you feel better". I feel really stupid now. They've told me to go in about an hour and a half. I'm so embarrassed, I might just not go, I'm feeling super hormonal and emotional (I'm not sleeping well!) and I don't think I can handle being patronised or told off by a midwife Sad

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Original poster
Mybobowler · 05/09/2021 10:14

Is there even any value in going for a doppler? I know he's alive - I have felt him, just nothing close to usual movement.

OP posts:
MissMarion · 05/09/2021 10:18

That's pretty shifty of them, you're the one feeling the baby everyday, you should always follow your gut instinct. I read so many times midwives never dismiss reduce movements... Maybe you're worrying for nothing (and hopefully you are), but better safe than sorry, no? You would never forgive yourself if you dismissed it and it was actually a sign something was off. So I say go and get checked, you'll feel so much better after and chances are it will wake him up. And don't feel embarrassed, believe me you're not the only one getting checked when everything is fine. I went 2-3 weeks ago, I was convinced something was wrong. Turned out she was fine, she probably had changed position so I was feeling her less. I have no regrets I went, even though I felt stupid in the moment.

Loubiemoo · 05/09/2021 10:23

Its not just that hes alive. The doppler will assess babys heart rate and rhythm as well.

Please go in.

Goneblank38 · 05/09/2021 10:26

You know best here OP. You know his pattern has changed and his movements feel different. Trust your instincts and get checked out I reckon. Hopefully the midwives will treat you well and if they don't, shame on them . But don't let it stop you from getting checked out and putting your mind at ease.

mumofmunchkin · 05/09/2021 10:33

Please go in. It'll probably be different midwives actually seeing you in the hospital. They absolutely should not have been dismissive of this.

YukoandHiro · 05/09/2021 10:34

Always go to MAU and get checked. They won't turn you away. It's just not worth the minor risk that there is something serious that needs looking at

dazzlerdo · 05/09/2021 10:36

Like above please go in and get seen. Put your mind at rest. The Doppler will be able to listen in to his heart beat and rhythm making sure he's not in any distress

SpamIAm · 05/09/2021 10:39

Please do go in, you've nothing to feel embarrassed about. And better to feel embarrassed but know that your baby is safe anyway.

Odd that they're being so dismissive with you and aren't offering to put you on a monitor. Wondering if it's after 28 weeks that they normally do that for? Really can't remember!

StarshipsAreMeantToFly · 05/09/2021 10:47

If it helps you then think of it as doing it for your baby, they can't ask for help yet so you have to do it.

Original poster
Mybobowler · 05/09/2021 10:51

Thank you everyone. Glad I posted, I would definitely have talked myself out of going without your encouragement!

I know it shouldn't bother me, but it's upsetting to be rebuffed like this. I've been super anxious in this pregnancy (had complications from 34 weeks and a prem birth with first baby which obviously affected me more than I thought!). I've tried hard to rationalise my worries and not react immediately every time I feel anxious. This is the first time I've needed some additional reassurance, and I feel a bit miffed that they weren't a bit kinder!

Heading in in half an hour so I'll report back. And thank you all again, I'm really grateful for the assurance that I'm not being silly.

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StarshipsAreMeantToFly · 05/09/2021 10:55

Oh I completely get it I was exactly the same. Thing is they see so many people every day and are busy so they might come across a bit dismissive but they shouldn't.

Goneblank38 · 05/09/2021 10:59

Hey OP, I'm really glad you've decided to head in.

It's not unreasonable to feel upset. Of be upset too. Pregnancy can make you feel really vulnerable and good midwives understand that and treat you respectfully.

Best of luck OP.

CornishTiger · 05/09/2021 11:02

Between 24 weeks and 28 weeks pregnant
You should contact your midwife or local maternity unit, who will check your baby’s heartbeat. You will have a full antenatal check-up that includes checking the size of your uterus, measuring your blood pressure and testing your urine for protein. If your uterus measures smaller than expected, an ultrasound scan may be arranged to check on your baby’s growth and development.
• Over 28 weeks pregnant
You must contact your midwife or local maternity unit immediately. You must not wait until the next day to seek help. You will:
{{ be asked about your baby’s movements
{{ have a full antenatal check-up, including checking your baby’s heartbeat.
Your baby’s heart rate will be monitored, usually for at least 20 minutes. This should give you reassurance about your baby’s wellbeing. You should be able to see your baby’s heart rate increase as he or she moves. You will usually be able to go home once you are reassured.
An ultrasound scan, to check on the growth of your baby as well as the amount of amniotic fluid around your baby, may be arranged if:
{{ your uterus measures smaller than expected
{{ your pregnancy has risk factors associated with stillbirth
{{ the heart-rate monitoring is normal but you still feel that your baby’s movements are less than usual.
The ultrasound scan is normally performed within 24 hours of being requested.
These investigations usually provide reassurance that all is well. Most women who experience one episode of reduction in their baby’s movements have a straightforward pregnancy and go on to have a healthy baby.
If there are any concerns for your baby, your healthcare team will discuss this with you. Follow-up scans may be arranged. In some circumstances, you may be advised that it would be safer for your baby to be born as soon as possible. This would depend on your individual situation and how far along you are in your pregnancy.
What should I do if I find my baby’s movements are
reduced again?
When you go home you will be advised to keep an eye on your baby’s movements and, should your baby have another episode of reduced movements, you must again contact your midwife or local maternity unit immediately. You should never hesitate to contact your midwife or local maternity unit for advice, no Matter how many times this happens.

MamaTutu2 · 05/09/2021 11:09

At 26 weeks they can do a CTG now, the guidelines have changed recently.

Tee20x · 05/09/2021 11:10

Glad to see that you're going in. Try not to let them make you feel stupid. At the end of the day it's your baby & means a lot more to you than it does to them so personally I feel that if you have concerns it's always better to get checked out even if it's just to put your mind at rest.

I'm sure there was a period where I went in once a week for reduced movements - I had an anterior placenta too & when I got there I never felt silly and always felt miles better that I had double checked.

Original poster
Mybobowler · 05/09/2021 12:08

Well, that all felt really awkward. Went in, did a urine sample, midwife asked me absolutely no questions about movement and listened with a doppler for

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