Normal for movements to change near the end?

[Al991]

I am 36 weeks and I feel like my baby's movements have changed quite a bit since we have got closer to 'the end'.

I used to get more kicks, especially when lying down, but now its more like I can just feel her feet poking me rather than kicking (can feel them through my skin as well) and I also feel her sort of shifting and wriggling around in there (mainly on my bladder) which can feel quite uncomfortable.

I know it is not true that movements should slow down or stop near the end, but in your experience, do they change?

I used to be able to reassure myself by lying in bed and waiting for kicks, but it definitely feels a bit different now that I am just being prodded.

I know not to ask for medical advice, so just asking if anyone else has experienced this?

For me they did, The baby is getting bigger so has less room to move around. That's what I remember my midwife telling me anyway.

They definitely changed towards the end for me! Rather than kicks I think she was just trying to move around and not having room to!
I had one period of HUGE movement where she was going crazy rolling around and kicking like she was trying to escape… and my waters went the next morning!
If you’re worried at all, pop into the maternity assessment unit just to be checked over :)

Yes they definitely change. They don’t have room to do the big kicks and rolls that they used to. As long as the amount of movements are the same then I would say it’s normal, but if you are worried definitely get checked even just for your own peace of mind.

They change to more rolls and wriggles etc. I’m 37+2 and they have definitely changed. The frequency shouldn’t change though so if it’s any less than normal then needs checking out.

Hi all, thanks for sharing! It does make sense to me that movements would change as we run out of space. I have growth scans and my baby is not small haha about 80th centile. But I did want to be sure so I went in just in case and all is fine - as we have all assumed she’s just not really got room to kick I guess.