Research shows it is important to report any change in movements.
Researcher Professor Vicki Flenady has said, “We do know that when a baby is unwell during pregnancy he or she will move less. Not a strong and not as often. We call this decreased foetal movements. It can be an early warning sign of a baby at risk…it is associated with adverse outcome and even stillbirth…”
Through her research, Associate Professor Jane Warland’s has discovered that it’s about “a pattern change in the babies movements” and encourages women who feel a change in their baby’s movements not to be discouraged to call their care provider as “the hospital is open 24/7, ring them, go in and be checked out”
Professor Flenady has also said “We believe that if we can provide information to women about what is normal foetal movements and when to report those movements, we’ll have an opportunity to identify those babies at most risk and intervene to avoid that adverse outcome. And on the flip side, women who are unnecessarily concerned, because they have a healthy baby, will have their anxiety relieved.”
Research continues to show that monitoring baby’s movements can also reduce anxiety among pregnant women by empowering them to listen to their babies, listen to themselves and seek professional help if they feel that they need it.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical professional. Still Aware provides this knowledge as a courtesy, not as a substitute for personalised medical advice and disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.