What should I do if I feel my baby’s movements are reduced or changed? Always seek professional help immediately. Never go to sleep ignoring a reduction in your baby’s movements. Do not rely on any home kits you may have for listening to your baby’s heartbeat. The care you will be given will depend on the stage of your pregnancy: • Less than 24 weeks pregnant Most women first become aware of their baby moving when they are 18–20 weeks pregnant. If by 24 weeks you have never felt your baby move, you should contact your midwife, who will check your baby’s heartbeat. An ultrasound scan may be arranged and you may be referred to a specialist fetal medicine centre to check your baby’s wellbeing. • Between 24 weeks and 28 weeks pregnant You should contact your midwife, who will check your baby’s heartbeat. You will have a full antenatal check-up that includes checking the size of your uterus, measuring your blood pressure and testing your urine for protein. If your uterus measures smaller than expected, an ultrasound scan may be arranged to check on your baby’s growth and development • Over 28 weeks pregnant You must contact your midwife or local maternity unit immediately. You must not wait until the next day to seek help. You will be asked about your baby’s movements. You will have a full antenatal checkup, including checking your baby’s heartbeat. Your baby’s heart rate will be monitored, usually for at least 20 minutes. This should give you reassurance about your baby’s wellbeing. You should be able to see your baby’s heart rate increase as he or she moves. You will usually be able to go home once you are reassured. An ultrasound scan to check on the growth of your baby, as well as the amount of amniotic fluid around your baby, may be arranged if: { your uterus measures smaller than expected { your pregnancy has risk factors associated with stillbirth { the heart-rate monitoring is normal but you still feel that your baby’s movements are less than usual. The scan is normally performed within 24 hours of being requested. These investigations usually provide reassurance that all is well. Most women who experience one episode of reduction in their baby’s movements have a straightforward pregnancy and go on to deliver a healthy baby. If there are any concerns about your baby, your doctor and midwife will discuss this with you. Follow-up scans may be arranged. In some circumstances, you may be advised that it would be safer for your baby to be born as soon as possible. This would depend on your individual situation and how far you are in your pregnancy.
Posted on: Sun, 25 Aug 2013 13:09:07 +0000
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