Movements lessening?

[Deljar]

I'm nearly at the end of Week 33, and in the last few days have noticed a decline in our little one's movements. I'm guessing that that is just because she's a little cramped in there, and that I shouldn't freak out. She is definitely still doing little dances, particularly after eating something tasty, but not nothing like the cartwheels previously experienced! I saw the specialist last week, and all was well, so I've no reason to suspect any different this week. But having had 3 m/cs, am a little nervy when the status quo changes! Should I be trying to get hold of my GP (we're in the country and that's always tricky!), or just accept and believe that space is at a premium? Thanks for reading ladies. All suggestions gratefully received.

[Evie76]

Sounds just like what you say Deljar.

The room is decreasing. I reckon if you have any doubts, see your Dr. But there's only so much room you can provide. It isn't the big swimming pool it used to be.

[Serenitylee]

I was also worrying about this a couple of weeks ago. My bubs movements have decreased to what they used to be but I still get little movements, just not lots and lots like I used to. If anything the movements are bigger and harder, but there just is not a lot of them. I was told that bub is getting cramped so they do lessen so I try not to worry to much, even though it is hard no to!

[Deljar]

Thanks ladies. I've just spoken to the midwife who advised me that yes, at this point, life is a little cramped for the baby, but that providing I got some discernable movement every day, all was well. If I felt there was no movement, I should eat something sweet and see if the little one reacted, which is precisely what I've found happens. If I have a piece of licorice, for example, off go those limbs, I suspect just to let me know she's enjoying the sugar rush So I'll endeavour to relax now and enjoy the occasional boots when they come. Thanks again for your replies ladies.

[Inertia]

Yep - the same here. Usually you can provoke a movement if you are that worried. Sounds nasty, I know, but sometimes getting bub to push your hand off your stomach makes you feel better.

[Evie76]

Yes. Or getting the father to yell at the belly - "Helloooo....... this is your father speaking!!"

That always seems to get our baby going. They just like their daddy's voices.

[nellsbells]

i've been told you should feel at least 10 movements within a 12hour period, and like others have said, to drink a cool sugary drink and sit down for a while to relax. hope that helps!!

[Mrs BB]

i know how you feel. I get movement still, but more rolling movements - not kicking etc
I provoke the odd movement if I am worried! Then bub gets me back the next day by moving non stop! haha

[Deljar]

Thanks again ladies.

Mrs BB - They do payback don't they?!* Much more active yesterday afternoon and last night, and even this morning. That could be due to the jelly babies & licorice though But I'd rather the payback than no movement.

Evie76 - Our little one hides when she feels dad's hand on my belly! But must try the voice thing.

We've another long road trip up to Perth and back tomorrow, so that should slow her down again unfortunately. But at least I know what to expect now.

[ClareBear28]

This may or may not be of help to you, but it certainly helped to put my mind at ease.... I had the same concern about a slowing of movement when I was about 33 weeks, so my midwife gave me a 'kick chart'. Basically all you need to do is get yourself a note book and write down the time that you get out of bed ie: 8am, then jot down hourly blocks right the way through to 8pm (12 hrs in total). eg:
8am -
9am-
10am-
Each time you feel a movement, you mark it down in the corresponding time block. Once you have noted a total of 10 movements, you can stop monitoring as 10 movements are deemed to be 'normal' over a 12 hr period. The first day I sat myself on the lounge and read a book and then watched tv for a couple of hours, and I'd had my 10 movements before 11am!
Hope this helps

[Fleur]

I have noticed over the last week or two, bubs has definite 'awake' times and I keep thinking it would be so interesting if she keeps to that after birth... although possibly not due to the different environment etc.

So rather than moving on & off all day, I'll feel her for half an hour or so, then nothing for a few hours, then she 'wakes up' again.

I do expect it to decrease further in the next few weeks & I'll probably worry too!

Re the kick charts... I kept one with DD, couldn't be bopthered with the boys but thinking about doing it again this time... but I have a question...

When keeping a kick chart, if bub does, say a roll, kick & punch all in the space of a minute, does that count as one movement or three? Or do you count x amount of movement in a period of time?

[ClareBear28]

As my midwife explained it to me, that would be counted as three seperate movements if they were over a space of a minute, if the bub rolled, kicked and then punched all in one go, then that is considered one movement in total.

[Deljar]

Thanks again ladies! Definitely back to lots of activity now - I suspect she may just be like her mum and like her rest! Let's hope she keeps that when she joins us out here