Is it nearly show time or should I be worried??

[catgirl30]

Hi all, I'm 36+1 today.

Yesterday I had a very out of character lie in until about 11am and way absolutely knackered all day, slept for most of it so obviously didn't feel much movement as I was asleep. Got a little concerned about it in the evening but things picked up a bit about 630pm.

Been up since 730am this morning and things didn't get going til after 8am. My baby has been very active all throughout but this last day or 2 I feel like the movements are lighter - still there but harder to spot.

I also feel like my shape has changed and my bump doesn't feel quite so cumbersome this morning? Baby is kicking right now but its like little tickles rather than her usual massive kicks.

I can feel pressure/movement down low towards my cervix and had a little bit of "lightning crotch" too. Have also had much worse back and hip ache the last few days, and my discharge has dried up a good bit since yesterday.

Anyway to end the ramble - can anyone put me at ease and reassure me that this is just things starting to happen? I'm at the hospital this Thursday but always good to hear from other mums as well.

If in doubt, I’d check it out. You know the movements best and it doesn’t feel usual to you - the hospital should be more than happy to check everything is ok.

Had you not mentioned a change in movement I’d say it sounds like you’re nearing the end.. and it does!

But, I will never not say ‘get checked out’ whenever a change in movement is felt. Weather their moving more, less, change in pattern ect it should always be checked. The old guidance was to be checked for reduced movements only, and that babies ‘slow down’ towards the end because they ‘run out of room’ - although it may feel that way, it shouldn’t be assumed and therefore any change in movement should be seen and they’ll be more than happy to see you and make sure baby is happy and healthy in there until they decide to arrive.

it does however sound like you’re getting there. I was absolutely exhausted the last few weeks. I really struggled to keep my eyes open most of the time and the lightening crotch was something else!

good luck OP!

I wish I hadn’t spelt whether as weather. 🙄

I would just go in and get checked they will feel how far down and stuff she is. Hopefully it’s just her getting engaged xx

Please get checked out for any change in movement. Call the hospital today.

Movements shouldn't change as baby engages. Lightning crotch etc is all normal but doesn't necessarily mean anything is starting - just means baby has compressed a particular nerve. Any change in movements should be checked out, even if you're still feeling them. I'm a midwife and would always invite women in if they're feeling lighter or less frequent movement. Some people might also tell you babies slow down towards the end but that's not true either - pattern and frequency should remain the same. It's not to scare you as majority of the time things are absolutely fine, but we want to catch those times when it's not

Hi thanks for the quick responses!

Sods law she's just been her usual wriggly punchy self for about 15 mins. One of the things that felt off was that I've been getting it in the ribs quite badly this trimester but any movements the last day or so have felt way lower in my tummy which made me think I've dropped. But we're wriggling all over now.

Hopefully things are getting going and we won't be waiting much longer. Should have mentioned in the OP that the braxton hicks are also getting a lot stronger.