This may seem like a silly question, but since my last pregnancy didn't go past 35 weeks I don't know the answer. I am now almost 38 weeks along--much longer than I anticipated going!!! Anyway, last visit dr did a non-stress test due to decreased movement. They "shocked" my stomach to get baby to move and when they did this she would move and heart rate did what it was supposed to. Baby usually has a few days where she isn't active and then a few days where she is overly active. But this week it seems like everyday is a non-active day. I am about to do my kick counts--I really haven't felt much movement today at all (maybe I just haven't noticed). But my question is this: is it normal for fetal movement to decrease alot in the last few weeks? I have so many contractions (at least 10 an hour--boy am I ready to deliver!) that sometimes I can't tell if she has moved or if it is just the "movement" of the contraction if that makes sense. I go in Tuesday and will bring it up then but was just worried/curious in the meantime. TIA

By Missmudd on Sunday, January 30, 2005 - 09:30 pm:

I would call my doc NOW! At least start counting, then call your doc. I would much rather you be safe than sorry. I do think that they do slow down a bit, but like I said PLEASE call your doc and make sure everything is OK.

By Vicki on Sunday, January 30, 2005 - 10:13 pm:

I also would take note of movement. Sit down and really concentrate. But it is normal for movement to slow towards the end (the just isn't much room) But you should be feeling some movement.

By Kayleesmommy on Sunday, January 30, 2005 - 10:44 pm:

My doctor told me when I was pregnant that if I was worried about the movemnet then lay on your side because the baby is more active when you are your side. I was nervous at the end of my pregnancy with movement as well. Everything was obviously fine but I thought she wasn't moving as much as she should. I also had a good size baby. Kaylee was 8lbs. 2oz. and I had her at exactly 38 weeks along. I am only 5 foot so this was a big baby for me and that is why Kaylee wasn't moving much because she had no room to move. If you are really worried do say something though because there is nothing wrong with being over protective of your child. Plus I am sure your doctor would be more glad than anything.

By Amyl on Sunday, January 30, 2005 - 11:05 pm:

I was told when I was pregnant, whenever the baby would have a decrease in movement to lay on my left side after drinking orange juice or something of that nature. The natural sugars in the orange juice is supposed to help. I would also do kick counts and call a doc. Hope this helps.

By Christylee on Sunday, January 30, 2005 - 11:34 pm:

I always had to drink orange juice and lay on my side to get him to move, I think towards the end they just run out of room. I'd talk to your doctor for sure on Tuesday. Sounds like there is going to be another new baby soon! Congratulations!

By Dawnk777 on Monday, January 31, 2005 - 12:38 am:

My younger daughter was born at 38 weeks. The day before she was born, she was barely moving. It scared me to death! I think she was born the next day, though. She was 8 lbs. 1 oz, and I'm only 5' 4", so maybe she didn't have much room to move, either.

By Emdee on Monday, January 31, 2005 - 04:19 am:

Thanks for the reassurance. She does move, just not ever much at a time. I did finally start feeling her move late tonight (of course, I am up since I can't sleep, but she is moving so that is good for my mind!!). I think there is just too much to occupy your mind when you are pregnant, and this is yet another thing to worry about. Thanks again.

By Dana on Monday, January 31, 2005 - 08:50 am:

Good luck Emdee. My baby is also very very slow compared to all his active times previously. As you know we are around the same weeks. I do have a stethescope at home and I generally use that when I haven't felt him moving much. But like you, each day I am thinking "Should I call the dr?" When he does move, he will move quite a bit, but the rest of the day, he seems motionless.
I too was told to drink OJ and in about 30 min I should notice an increase in movement.

I am sooooo soar from him taking up so much room. I imagine it isn't too much fun for him either. Got my first stretch marks last night from him bundling up under my ribs w/ contractions. OUCH! On my way to the OB now. Praying there is reason to start getting ready for the hospital....but no serious contractions since 1am last night

By Amecmom on Monday, January 31, 2005 - 09:23 am:

It's really common at the end for movement to decrease. There isn't much room left in there for the baby to move. Also, the baby starts settling down and getting into position for birth.

I would, however, talk to your doc. Good luck!

Ame

By Breann on Monday, January 31, 2005 - 12:25 pm:

Fetal movement does slow down towards the end. They get pretty squished in there Do your fetal kick counts.....do the "lots of fluid and lay on your left side" just to reassure yourself. If that doesn't work out like it should, then give your doctor a call. They can always do another NST or an ultrasound to reassure.

By Jtsmom on Monday, January 31, 2005 - 02:26 pm:

With my last pregnancy I had the same problem. My first (Jack) was so active all of the time, but with Luke he hardly ever moved. I bet for the last 2 months I called the doctor about ever day, because I was so worried. He was great and everytime let me come in to be reassured. Everything was fine. Every pregnancy is different. And towards the end the baby has less and less room to move, so that could account for alot of it. Good luck and don't stress out too much. Just call the doctor, that is what they are there for.