Very active baby - 34+2 weeks

[Unsure4589]

Hi all,

I'm 34+2 and DS has been thrashing about in there, to the point where it's a bit painful at times and keeping me from sleep. He's been a wriggler for a while, but this feels quite frantic and violent. DD wasn't like this, so not sure if it's normal or not. Got a consultant's appointment this pm, so could mention it then, but just curious as to whether I should be worried, and others' experiences around this gestation!

I think guidance is that any change in movement should be checked rather than reduced movements. I had something similar to what you described in my first pregnancy - I woke up to kicking etc and he didn't stop for hours so phoned the midwives and they sent me to hospital to get checked. I spent the afternoon being monitored (during which time his party continued) and was sent home once the movements had calmed for a certain amount of time. He honestly kicked constantly from when I woke up until late afternoon, it was so uncomfortable and I worried he was distressed. Fortunately son was fine but everyone was so lovely and absolutely no judgment for getting checked. That was the only time he did that so it was a one off. If you're worried definitely mention when you see the consultant.

Could it be that he has changed position so you feel things a lot more? I remember when my wriggler moved from transverse to first head up then head down her movements felt very different. I agree to mention it at your appointment so things can be checked.

Thanks, both. I ended up having an appointment with a foetal medicine specialist, not a consultant obstetrician or gynae. Cue pointless 30 mins. When I mentioned the sudden increase in movements she actually laughed and said 'I'm not sure I can help with that.' When I laid out what the NHS guidance says in a supremely pissed off tone, she rather hurriedly scanned me. I literally heard his heartbeat for 30 seconds (no mention of bpm) and saw he was head down and that was it.

So, looks like the Day Assessment Unit might be a better call tomorrow if he's very thrashy tonight. My useless appointment today was over an hour late and I had to rush to pick DD up from nursery, or I would've taken myself up there.

Sorry today didn't go as you hoped. Hopefully baby is settling down for the night and you get some rest.