Fast, rhythmic twitching - not hiccups

[Laurakiaora]

Hi. I am 34 weeks. I'm well acquainted to feeling baby's hiccups but this evening she's started something I haven't felt before.

She's making fast, rhythmic twitching movements, similar to hiccups but very fast, more than once a second. It's definitely nor hiccups and I haven't felt this before.

The little bursts last maybe ten seconds at a time. It's happened four times in the last five minutes or so. I can see it and feel it with my hand as well as feeling it inside.

She's transverse and has been for weeks. I'm feeling it roughly where I assume her abdomen is. I had a growth scan on Thursday and everything seemed fine.

Has anyone experienced this and/or have any ideas about what it could be? It's a bit concerning. My partner has epilepsy but a type caused by a brain injury as a child, not hereditary as far as we know.

Any suggestions appreciated.

Thank you.

Hi OP, no experience with this type of movement but my advice would be to call your local triage. The official guidance is VERY vague but they do say to call up if you experience any changes in movement. If anything it may give you some reassurance and stop you from worrying :)

I don't mean this is a nasty way AT ALL but get off mumsnet and ring your midwife/birthing unit. They'll help you better than anyone on here could.

Good luck and congratulations.

I had this with DC1 multiple times. No-one knows what actually causes the movement, even though its hardly rare. It's suspected it's just baby's nervous system testing out shivering. It was mildly concerning, as there is hereditary epilepsy in my family (I don't have it), but I never went to the hospital about it. DC1 is 3 and has zero signs of epilepsy.

It will never hurt to contact your midwife if you are concerned though.