You already know that #MovementsMatter. So what do you do if you notice a change? SEEK HELP.
This is the most critical part of monitoring your baby's movements during pregnancy: If you notice any changes, you need to get checked out RIGHT away. Even if you have an appointment soon, it's better to #AlwaysAsk, and don't hesitate to #UseYourMomVoice to ensure your concerns are heard. Remember: no one knows your baby better than YOU!
Download our International Consensus Statement on Fetal Movement & How to Keep Your Baby Safe (PDF) here!
HELP! I NOTICED A CHANGE!
What should I do if I notice a change in fetal movement?
Go to the hospital immediately if you notice any changes or feel concerned. They are available 24/7 for you and your baby to get checked. Don't put off getting checked until the next day, and don't wait until your next scheduled appointment.
You can call your provider to let them know you are coming. However, you do not need their permission to go in or to get checked. Concerns about movements cannot be checked from home - you need to go to the hospital immediately.
A change in movements can be an early sign and sometimes the ONLY warning sign that your baby needs help. If reported promptly, there is a window of opportunity in which your or your baby’s life may be saved.
Some examples of a change include less movement, weaker movements, or an unusual rapid increase in movement (anything noticeably different from your baby's normal patterns and which might be described as "frantic" "wild" "jerky" "going crazy" etc.). Trust your gut instincts.
You should not be discharged until you are happy with your baby's movements. Do NOT go home if you are not feeling reassured.
DO NOT use handheld monitors, dopplers, or phone apps to check your baby’s heartbeat. Even if you detect a heartbeat, this does not mean your baby is well.
DO NOT waste time drinking cold water or eating something sugary to get your baby moving, or starting a new kick count, even if asked by a healthcare professional - just go get checked out immediately.
What if I notice a change in my baby’s movements again?
You should get your baby checked immediately every time it happens. Even if everything was fine last time, your baby needs to be checked again. You're always doing the right thing by getting your baby checked.
Why are my baby’s movements important?
Most parents who had a stillbirth noticed their baby’s movements had changed. A change in movement can also be a warning sign of other problems. The sooner you seek care, the sooner you and your baby can be checked and given the right care. This could save your or your baby's life.
It is NOT true that babies move less towards the end of pregnancy
Babies do NOT run out of room
You should continue to feel your baby move right up to the time you go into labor and during labor too
More in-depth info below about changes in fetal movement - keep reading to learn more!
SPEAKING UP CAN SAVE A LIFE - REALLY!
If you or someone you know is experiencing a change in their baby's movements during pregnancy, it is absolutely critical that you speak up.
Pregnant families often worry that they will be "bothering" their healthcare providers by calling with concerns. Nothing can be further from the truth. Your provider wants to hear from you with every concern. Their top priority is keeping you and your baby safe. If someone you love is debating whether or not to seek medical care, your encouragement could be the push they need to take swift action - and that action can have life-changing results:
Did something you learned here empower you to speak up? If so, we want to hear all about it!
Go to pushpregnancy.org/safe to share your #safearrival story - we'll highlight it to encourage other parents to follow your lead and advocate for themselves and their babies. #unitedwepush
IN-DEPTH FAQs ABOUT FETAL MOVEMENTS
Why are my baby’s movements important?
Your baby's movements are a sign of their wellbeing. A reduction or change in your baby’s movements can sometimes be a warning sign that they're unwell. It's important to know that:
1. It's NOT true that babies move less towards the end of pregnancy
2. You should continue to feel your baby move right up to the time you go into labor and while you are in labor too
3. When babies are unwell, they slow down their movements to preserve energy. When you feel less movements it could be a sign that your baby is unwell
4. There is time to intervene. Come to the hospital straight away so that your baby can be checked out. If there is something wrong this gives time to help your baby
5. While stillbirth is very rare, it is 10 times more likely to happen than SIDS. Studies have shown that over half of women who experienced a stillbirth noticed a reduction in baby movements
What does a baby’s movement feel like?
How often should my baby move?
Why is it important to count baby kicks?
What should I do if my baby is moving less or not moving at all?
What should I do if I notice crazy, wild, jerky, or frenzied fetal movements?
What should I do if my baby’s kicks aren’t as strong as usual but I’m still feeling kicks?
When should I contact my healthcare provider?
Is stillbirth really still a concern in the US?
I’m confused, why are you asking me to monitor movements throughout the day AND also count kicks once a day?
What is a "session" of movement?
My baby is always active. Do I really need to track movement?
If my baby's movements change does it mean my baby is definitely unwell?
I called my doctor/nurse, and they said to drink juice/water or to eat something to get my baby moving.
What can I expect when I report a change in movement?
What if I notice a change in my baby’s movements again?
What are other benefits of fetal movement tracking?
As long as my baby is kicking, everything is fine, right?
I’m past the first trimester. Shouldn't I be in the "safe zone?"
Do babies kick less near the end of pregnancy?
Why do I need to track movement when I can hear my baby's heartbeat with a Doppler device?
Should I use a phone app or Home Doppler to check the baby's heartbeat before calling my provider?
I have an anterior placenta. I don’t feel my baby moving as much any more. Is that due to the anterior placenta?
Should I prompt my baby to move?
My question wasn't covered here. What should I do if I am concerned about my baby’s movements?
These tips helped keep my baby safe!!!
REMEMBER: No one knows your baby or your body better than YOU! Trust your instincts, and when in doubt, get checked out.
READY TO LEARN MORE? There's plenty more #empoweredpregnancy goodness where that came from! Head back to the Empowered Pregnancy Overview to for even more empowerment. #UnitedWePush