Shining a Torch on your belly

Hi all... yep its me again panicing!

Someone told me to shine a torch on my belly (have also read this in books) if you want to have some movement... so I did it, not long and only on a few spots, then felt really bad for bubs in case I was shining the torch direct in his eyes or something and stopped... didnt get movement anyway...

BUT then I read (after feeling guilty) that you shouldn't do this before your last month of pregnancy because the retinas are still developing so now I feel terrible!!!!!

Anyone else read or have been told conflicting stories?

Never heard of it. I wouldn't worry too much though, for the light to get to bub's eyes it has to go through all your skin, muscle, the wall of the uterus and potentially past the placenta too if you have an anterior one. By the time it gets there it'd be pretty diffuse and sounds like a bit of an old wives tale to me :)

I agree with CK and don't think you've done any harm. Otherwise, there would be warnings everywhere about women always making sure their bellies were covered outside, in light and sunny houses etc.

FWIW, the most reliable way I've found of getting movement is drinking either a cold diet coke or very cold glass of water and then lying still. Usually within 5 to 10 minutes I'll get some level of movement. Chocolate, cake or anything else that's a huge sugar hit works too.

thanks CK and LuluHB... that has made me feel a lot better.... he is a mover just last night after I ate he wasn't moving and he always moves after I eat... so I got worried... and thanks LuluHB... u always come through on my panic posts! :wall: and wow you are 37 weeks already!!! not long now...