Reduced fetal movement |
A normal fetus has its own movement pattern. Generally babies in the womb have a sleep wake cycle of approximately 40 minutes. It is normal to feel this as periods of inactivity. There is also a trend towards increased movements towards the evening and nights. But every baby has its own rhythm. Generally babies move at an average of 35 times per hour.
Prolonged inactivity is not normal. Should this be suspected, take immediate rest from all activities. Lie down on either your left or right. Focus on fetal movements for the next 2 hours. The baby should move at least 10 times within the 2 hours. This is normal. If there is still no movement after focused kick-counting urgent check-up is necessary. If you need to do focussed kickcounting for the 2nd time the same day - and the counts are completed, see your doctor the next day. If you find you need to do it for the 3rd time in the same day - head straight to your hospital and do the counting there. The following will be done for reduced kick-counts: - a cardiotocogram (heart monitoring of baby) - ultrasound scan to assess growth, water around the baby should be adequate, baby should be moving during the scan |
