Pregnancy 38 weeks baby movement - Normal fetal movements
Pregnancy 38 weeks baby movement - Normal fetal movements, NST and BPP
When you first start to feel your baby's movements it is referred to as Flutters or Quickening. The fetus usually begins to flutter between 18 to 24 weeks of gestation and it may vary from person to person. At first, it may be difficult for you to distinguish that it is your baby's movements you are feeling or gas. But after some time these movements will become robust. At 38 weeks of pregnancy, there is very little space for your baby to move but it will still move in the uterus and you'll feel it. As the baby begins to take a head-down position in the womb it might be possible that you feel less motion in later pregnancy.
38 weeks of pregnancy baby movement
As there is less room to navigate you may feel little tickles and motions in later pregnancy. Your baby is also settling into the birth position so it may be possible that he/she move less frequently. If you notice decreased fetal movements at 38 weeks this is simply because now there is lesser space for your baby to move.38 weeks pregnant baby movement decreased
At 38 weeks of pregnancy, most of the babies engage head in the pelvis and prepare for birth which leads to lesser movements than usual. Your baby also makes a sleep-wakeup pattern during the third trimester which usually lasts for an hour. It might be possible that you're not feeling any fetal movements as your baby is sleeping at that time. However, if you notice that the changes in baby's movements are not normal then talk about it to your doctor or midwife. Track your baby's movements hour by hour and notice how often you feel baby's movements.Normal Fetal movements in the later pregnancy
Feeling at least 10 movements within two hours is considered normal in later pregnancy and it indicates that your baby is well inside your womb.
(Also read: Pregnancy at 40 weeks)
When to call your doctor?
If you notice that there are no fetal movements or very low fetal movements than you have to call your doctor or midwife. In such a case, your doctor will perform some tests such as NST to check the well-being of your baby.What is NST?
NST (Non-Stress Test) is a fetal test that is performed to evaluate the baby's heart rate and response to movements. It is done to ensure that the baby is getting enough oxygen or not. This test lasts up to 20 to 40 minutes. A baby is considered to be healthy and stress-free who moves a lot and has a normal heart rate and is classified as 'Reactive'.
On the other hand, a baby who is not so much active and doesn't make a minimum number of movements during NST and whose heart doesn't accelerate as much as expected during movement is classified as 'Non-reactive'. It may be possible that your baby is not getting enough oxygen.
Technicians will make noise over your belly to encourage your baby to move or they will give you a sugary drink to encourage baby for doing movements. It may be possible that NST may be done again. If your doctor determines that your baby is under stress then she will perform further testing called BPP (Biophysical Profile) to assess the well-being of fetal and to determine if labor induction and early delivery are essential to be done right now.
(Also read: What are the signs of labor at 39 weeks?)
If you notice fewer fetal movements don't get panic. Keep yourself calm and stress-free. If you're feeling anything suspicious or wrong then contact your health care provider. Hope this article helped you a lot. Have a happy delivery. May God bless you and your baby.
Also, read other health-related articles :
Disclaimer: This content is intended for general information only and it should not be used as the basis of patient treatment. The given content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, treatment, or any diagnosis. Always consult a doctor for more information. Our website doesn't claim responsibility for this information.
No comments