(The Baby) Wants to Move It, Move It

Yesterday I wrote about the importance of keeping track of fetal movements. Not wanting to be going into a panic attack whenever I feel that the baby is not moving (not to mention costly too if I have to troop down to the gynaecologist whenever the baby is not moving); I checked with a medical professional on when to panic and when not to panic whenever the little one decides to play peek-a-boo. Fetal movements are actually signs that the baby is receiving adequate nourishment from the blood supply from the mother.

When NOT to Panic
1) If you are at least 35 weeks and below and you do not feel your baby move very actively for one or two days, chances are the baby should be all right. This is especially when your amniotic fluid is still adequate and your water bag has not burst, your little one is fine even if his/her umbilical cord is around the neck! Reason is that as long as the amniotic fluid is adequate, the cord is not compressed against the neck or tighten. It will only be tightened if the amniotic fluid has decreased abruptly.



2) Babies have temperaments, it seems. Sometimes they are wide awake and kicking and some other days , they just want to sleep it off. Sometimes, this behaviour can continue for one or two days. If she/he does little movements such as gentle proddings instead of kicks; these are acceptable.  Chance are, your little one could be turning from side to side, stretching, scratching his or her nose... little actions that you may not feel. If on the third day, you find that the little one is still not as active as you would like it to be - then troop down to your gynaecologist's office to have a peace of mind.

When to Panic
1) This stage is actually the most vital during the 35th week and above. Constant checking of the fetal movements is extremely vital especially the moment there is decreased movement. This will be further compounded as your amniotic fluid will slowly start to decrease - leaving the baby with lesser space to roam and move around. This is especially dangerous if the baby has been playing with the cord and has accidentally wind it around his/her neck. With the lack of amniotic fluid, the compression around the area will start to be tighten. The compression will also obstruct the blood supply and nourishment to the  baby.

2) Every single day, try to do things to make sure that the baby is moving. If at any time, you find that the movements are getting weaker or feeble and at longer intervals; contact your gynaecologist right away. It could be a sign that the baby is in distress and the professional can quickly use the most appropriate method to rescue him/her.

How to Make your Baby Move

• Jiggle, prod, poke your tummy. If you know where her legs and arms are positioned, it will be good to try to poke them! The baby will respond when it feels pressure at times.
• Lie on your left for a while. This is the position which will have the least amount of weight upon the Vena Cava.
• Eat a full meal or something sweet. The glucose from the sugar will kick into overdrive for the little one. 
• Drink cold water. The baby doesn't like changes and will try to move to avoid them. 
•  Talk or play familiar music. The baby will respond to the familiar stimulus. If it doesn't work, how about rock music?

All I know I will be I will be making her move it all the way till deliver - whether she likes it or not!