Dumb Question about a fetus going still, pls don't read if feeling vulnerable

[flack]

You know how they say if you don't feel baby move for certain amount of time then rush to hospital.

Why? Do babies go very still for a day or so typically before they die in utero, is this actually a typical first sign of trouble, without any other symptoms? I've heard a lot of stories where mothers stopped feeling movements, rushed to hospital and the baby was either A) already dead, or B) absolutely fine. But it always seems to be A) or B), never anything inbetween.

I can understand the comfort of seeing a live if quiet fetus on the scan. I know some pregnancies manage to continue for weeks after a fetus has died, so it would be good to induce if stillbirth didn't arrive naturally quickly. But otherwise, why the need for a rush to hospital if no movements and no other symptoms?

Sorry what's your question exactly I don't get it.

If you don't feel the baby move as much as you did before the advice is to go to hospital. If there is something wrong with the baby like a slower heart beat because, for example, the placenta is not working efficiently, then something can be done (pretty quickly) such as inducing and having a healthy baby, or performing a C section.

I have heard of the 'in between' that you mention. In some cases, something can be done to save thebaby. You know, it's know because you haven't heard of it that it doesn't exist!

I think if baby is in distress, for example cord wrapped round neck then movements are often reduced

I did know someone who well, actually she didn't rush to hospital, as she had a routine appointment the next day, but she went to the routine appointment (fortunately at the hospital) and mentioned the lack of movement, so they did a scan and then proceeded immediately (within minutes) to a crash c-section (a full-on sign-consent-form-as-we-are-sticking-the-gas-mask-on-and-cutting-off-your-clothes jobby). I forget exactly what was wrong extreme IUGR for one thing -- but they did tell her afterwards that if she'd gone in even a couple of hours later it would probably have been too late.

i also am not quite sure what you are asking. is it what is the point of rushing if baby is not moving, as it is either ok or not, and rushing to hospital won;t change anythign?

sometimes babies are moving, but due to position of the placenta.. i.e anterior, movements are cushioned

or baby is kicking towards your back

you won;t feel it,but baby is ok

sometimes, catatsrophes happen in utero with no warning

for many women, the anxiety would dominate things too much that waiting for movement to restart ( or not) would be an unendurable wait

There are many things that can cause reduced movements. It happened to a friend who had a huge blood clot in her placenta which was starving the baby, it was found in time to induce her much like portandlemonades friend. If anyone is worried about reduced movements then surely it's best to get checked out for peice of mind, no movements can be a symptom of many things.

I meant what's the point of rushing, would you notice lack of movements as they only symptom before it was too late, anyway.
Sorry, knew I hadn't asked clearly, sometimes it takes me days to formulate my thoughts clearly . I think some of you answered well enough, ta.

If fetal movements are reduced, contact your maternity unit.

If after assessment a fetal movement chart is given, monitor and chart movements as recommended (usually 32+weeks) and report back to maternity unit if less thsn 10 movements within 12 hour period.

Think I've got that right and I'm sure someone will be along to tell me if I'm wrong.