Before you call the
Doc..
It is not important what kind of fetal movement
you feel as much as there being some activity
throughout the day. In general during this stage
your baby should move at least 10 times during
a 2-3 hour period. If your baby is not moving
this much or you feel unsettled about the slowdown
in fetal movements try this before calling your
doctor:
Drink fruit juice or a beverage high in natural
sugars. Position yourself comfortably either on
your left or right side and count the number of
times you feel the movements which can be vary
from a flutter to a kick to a somersault. After
doing this for an hour or two your baby should
resume movements in the usual pattern.
Why
not call the Doc..
No activity or a sudden spurt of activity is a
cause for alarm and should be checked with your
doctor. Contact your doctor immediately if:
• You feel no movement for the whole day
• Less than 10 movements after 2 hours of
monitoring
• Your baby's movement is different from
what you experienced a day before
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your upcoming baby |
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Some possibilities
on lack of fetal movements in the third trimester:
• Some fetuses take naps that last for a
few hours, similar to newborns. The rush of sugar
usually wakes up the baby from slumber and you
will feel your baby move in varying degrees.
• Babies become less mobile once their heads
have firmly engaged in the pelvis.
• Fetuses who are quite inactive at this
stage do not necessarily mean there is a problem
but inactivity can also mean something as serious
as fetal distress. Gaining assurance from the
medical staff is important for timely intervention,
if necessary.
What Next
At the doctor's office you will be offered fetal
monitoring which is essentially a small monitor
being strapped over your belly to record fetal
heart rate. The procedure will last for an hour.
Any issues with the fetal heart rate will be notified
to your doctor who will further evaluate.
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