Fetal Movements - what counts?

[Mylife86]

Hi,

I'm really anxious about counting baby's movements and pay attention to this throughout the day.

My question is, what do you count as a movement? I'm 34 weeks and today I feel like there are more light movements like little rolls and jabs than kicks. Do you count every movement as a 'proper movement'?

Many thanks

Your looking for the movements to feel similar to before. If they are less frequent or suddenly not as strong then you should contact the maternity ward. If you are unsure they always ring, that’s what they are there for.

At 34 weeks there’s less room for baby to move so feeling lighter movements is normal but still definitely get checked out if you are concerned. It’s better to over worry than under worry.

Feel like I've had some big movements this affy which is good!

Do people count an episode of several kicks as one movement or each movement as one? It's a minefield!

My consultant told me it's the pattern that matters NOT the strength or number. So for example if you usually feel baby move every other hour, as long as you feel something thats normal. He also recommended lying in a quiet room and holding your belly quite tight and it should get baby moving. He told me this at my 28 week appointment. Of course if you're ever worried just call the hospital and get it checked

Yeah as far as I understand it, you don't need to be counting kicks or movements. You just want to have an understanding of what sort of pattern is normal for your baby. I've never counted but I know that I expect to feel the baby move in some way with a regularity I'm used to.