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.
Prolonged inactivity is not normal. Should this be suspected, take immediate rest from all activities. Focus on fetal movements for the next 2 hours. Focused kick-counting is more reliable that general kick-counting. If movements are felt than all is ok. If there is still no movement after focused kick-counting urgent check-up is necessary. The following should 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 |
