WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Is Your Baby's Movement Slowing?

Pregnancy
Baby's growth during pregnancy
Is Your Baby's Movement Slowing?
You've probably been feeling all sorts of wiggles, kicks, and jabs as your little one stretches out in their cozy uterine abode.
But as you approach the finish line—yep, the last month of pregnancy—you might notice those movements becoming a bit less dramatic.
Now, before you hit the panic button, take a breath.
A decrease in your baby's activity could be completely normal, but understanding the patterns of fetal movement is crucial for both your peace of mind and baby's well-being.
  • Kick Counts: Many healthcare providers recommend keeping track of your baby's movements, a practice often called "kick counting."
  • Third Trimester Shift: By this stage, your baby is much bigger and has less room to perform somersaults. Movements may become more like rolls and shifts, rather than kicks and punches.
  • Hours of Activity: Typically, babies are most active between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m., thanks to the circadian rhythms they're starting to develop.
When to be Concerned: Reduced Fetal Movements
Alright, let's switch gears for a moment. While a slowdown in gymnastics is generally part of the late-pregnancy game, a significant reduction in fetal movement could be a red flag.
So, when should you go from "Oh, baby's just chilling" to "Hmm, maybe I should give my healthcare provider a ring?"
  • Less Than 10 Kicks: If you feel fewer than 10 movements within two hours, it's time to call your healthcare provider.
  • Change in Pattern: A sudden change in your baby's usual movement pattern can be a sign of fetal distress or other complications.
  • Other Symptoms: Accompanying symptoms like vaginal bleeding, severe headache, or pain in your abdomen should be taken seriously and warrant immediate medical attention.
Monitoring Methods: Tools and Tips
Ok, so how do you keep tabs on those little wiggles and nudges without turning it into a full-time job? There are a couple of handy monitoring methods that are both efficient and medically sound.
  • Timed Counts: Choose a time when your baby is usually active, sit quietly or lie on your side, and start counting movements. Aiming for 10 movements within an hour is a good rule of thumb.
  • Fetal Doppler: These handheld ultrasound devices can pick up your baby's heartbeat and are used by some moms-to-be for reassurance. However, they should not replace medical advice or regular check-ups.
Reach Out: Consult Your Healthcare Provider
And finally, never underestimate the value of a professional opinion.
If something feels off, or if you're concerned about your baby's movement for any reason, do not hesitate to contact your healthcare provider.
Even if it turns out to be a minor issue, it's always better to be on the safe side.
  • Scheduled Appointments: Keep up with all your prenatal visits, as these are crucial times for monitoring your baby's well-being.
  • Open Communication: Always maintain an open line of communication with your healthcare team. No concern is too small.
  • Ultrasound and Non-Stress Tests: These tests provide more detailed information about your baby's health and are the most reliable ways to ensure everything is A-OK.
Remember, you're the one who knows your baby's movements best.
So trust your instincts, keep track, and don't hesitate to seek professional guidance.
T
Tas
9 Oct 2023

Baby seems to have slowed in movement. She is usually super rambunctious. I'm heading to the hospital to check it out. Prayers, please. Hubby says I was this way with our now two year old, too. I bought a doppler for him and still use it for her. 🤷🏾‍♀️

Pregnancy Baby's growth during pregnancy
3 comments
K
Keke
I think we all like that .. I’m seeing a lot of post from mommies saying that they babies movements slowed down .. I’m the same way if he move less than the previous day I start to worry & then few hours later or next day he acting like he in a wwf match
27 Mar 2024

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T
Tas
she was fine. But they induced me because my BP was up for an hour because I was stressed. She arrived yesterday 😍
27 Mar 2024

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Anjali
14 Sep 2023

Anyone’s baby start moving less now than they were before? I was very active over the weekend so thought baby was just tired. But now I’m doubting it. Baby’s moving just not crazy. I read they can slow movement because they’re running out of room?

Pregnancy Baby's growth during pregnancy
5 comments
X
Xena
Try drinking something sweet and wait an hr and count the kicks.
27 Mar 2024

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Shannon
Running out of room possibly and also they sleep a lot and are just regulating sleep cycle. Also if your active alot it usually mimics rocking so they may fall asleep more often then too I noticed myself as well this seems to be the case so try not to worry because I had a time maybe a month or so ago wondering the same but now she's doing things pretty regularly
27 Mar 2024

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Ssvika
23 Aug 2023

Hi is it normal to feel your baby movement someday someday not? I’m currently 20 weeks pregnant.

Pregnancy Baby's growth during pregnancy
1 comments
A
Ana
Yeah it’s normal I’m 26 weeks and I feel mine sometimes and sometimes I don’t. I heard 3rd trimester is the trimester to worry about movement.
27 Mar 2024

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Ashley
13 Aug 2023

I know your not supposed to feel baby movement until 20 weeks, but has anyone felt the baby sooner?? I can’t wait!!

Pregnancy Baby's growth during pregnancy
8 comments
L
Lashelle Washington
I felt it probably 18-19 weeks. I thought it was gas but the kicks started getting stronger
27 Mar 2024

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Laurel
I feel little flutters and bubbles, and my doctor told me there was no way possible. Because it’s too soon, at 16 weeks. But I know it wasn’t just gas because it was more defined.
27 Mar 2024

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Alexis
29 Jul 2023

Baby kicking and movement have been slowing down weeks anyone else is experiencing this? #babykicks #7weekstogo

Pregnancy Baby's growth during pregnancy
5 comments
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💓MsKoKoChanel 💓
Yes… but the videos I look at and all these pregnancy apps i got tell me that it’s normal 😌 unless he doesn’t kick all day and it lasts for days like that , i would see a dr . But he does kick sometime during the day . He is not as active & that’s maybe bc he is running out of room , so all you may be feeling is him rolling or stretching every once in a while . Try drinking cold ice water & i even squeeze my belly a bit & he moves 😇
27 Mar 2024

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💓MsKoKoChanel 💓
Also if you are active and walking around doing stuff most of the day , you are likely putting him /her to sleep . It’s like your rocking them . Most babies love to sleep a lot as well. But that’s why I purchased a fetal Doppler early on , so if I ever feel like something’s not right , i just check the heartbeat and it makes everything okay 😇
27 Mar 2024

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S
Shelly
18 Apr 2023

This is my 3rd pregnancy is it normal to feel movement when your 7weeks pregnant because I didn't feel movement with the other 2 until I was about 5 to 7 months so I need some help can yall help me

Pregnancy Baby's growth during pregnancy
14 comments
C
Casey
What made you decide for another baby?? I have 2 now, one boy one girl. I go back and forth!!
27 Mar 2024

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M
Mimi
I don’t think it’s movement maybe gas or something but 7 week ur baby super tiny in all tht cushion
27 Mar 2024

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Amber
29 Oct 2022

11 weeks and one day bpm 153 baby bear was moving a lot so the Dr had a hard time catching the heartbeat. I'm always hungry most days but appetite seems to be slowing down. My skin is breaking out like crazy and I'm always cold. What's your thoughts on gender.

Pregnancy Baby's growth during pregnancy
3 comments
L
Loshana
I guess girl
27 Mar 2024

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A
Amber
Yay I'm hoping it's a girl but my man and his family are wanting me to have a boy. His mom makes me feel kinda crummy because I want a girl
27 Mar 2024

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F
Freedom
19 Jul 2022

Is it normal for your baby to start slowing down how much they move around 34 weeks? He is still moving around but definitely not as much as he did 2-3 weeks ago

Pregnancy Baby's growth during pregnancy
6 comments
M
Myra
Yes because it's getting cramped in there. As long as you feel him moving around he's good. If you don't feel him move for a while try drinking juice or pop and sitting/laying down and see if he moves within an hour of that. If not then call and talk to your Dr/nurse or go and get checked. As long as you feel him moving he's ok though. I hope this helps.
27 Mar 2024

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E
Emily
Yes baby is getting bigger and running outta room. Any movement you feel counts
27 Mar 2024

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Maira
7 Jun 2022

I only have like 3 weeks left but is it normal for the baby to slow down on her movements? My mom says she’s running out of space

Pregnancy Baby's growth during pregnancy
3 comments
T
Ti
Yes thats very normal she dont have as much room to move like before
27 Mar 2024

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M
Maira
I see. And when she does move it hurts
27 Mar 2024

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R
Rachel
25 Nov 2021

So I am 28 weeks tomorrow and I have noticed that baby boy isn’t moving as much nowadays. Have any of you seen decreased movement around this time?

Pregnancy Baby's growth during pregnancy
3 comments
V
Valencia
yes I'm 28 weeks and 2 days my daughter doesn't move much but ik she's ok
27 Mar 2024

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