Less movement at 29 weeks is it normal

There were no stillbirths among the women in this study. Thus, we can only speculate that it is possible that women who consult health care due to decreased or changed patterns of fetal movement may be aware of the importance of detecting fetuses at risk as early as possible. Detection of decreased fetal movements can improve the outcome and reduce delay in consulting health care [ 23 , 24 ]. Further, the fetuses in this study who could be at risk were examined and risk factors such as placental abruptions, growth retardation or malformations [ 25 ] may have been detected.

The primary reason for consulting health care due to decreased fetal movements is worry about the health of the baby [ 14 ]. None of the women in our study consulted health care without cause, but their worry was obviously unfounded from a medical perspective in the short term. Women in this study had a normal CTG before they completed the questionnaire.

However, aside from no stillbirths among the participating women, we have no data regarding the health status of the baby after birth. This is a major limitation of the study. One strength of the study is the large number of participants. Another strength is that all delivery wards in Stockholm participated in the study. However, all women came from the capital city in Sweden where women in generally are older and well educated compared with women outside the capital.

Further, the number of those who declined to participate and their reasons for doing so are not known. However, the context in which the women completed the questionnaire was one of already perceived decreased fetal movements. Increased knowledge about the normal changes in the fetal movement patterns in late pregnancy can be one way to lessen the number of visits to obstetric clinics from women over concerns that turn out to be unnecessary from a medical perspective. The challenge from a clinical perspective is to inform and advise pregnant women about fetal movements with the goal of diminishing the length of pre-hospital delay if the fetus is at risk and at the same time reduce worry leading to unnecessary consultation.

Further, fewer visits to obstetric clinics, over concern that turns out to be unnecessary from a medical perspective, will have health economic benefits. Before giving definitive advice that can reduce unnecessary controls at the end of the pregnancy, distinct differences must be identified regarding how women who lost their child intrauterine or have given birth to a hypoxic or anaemic child, report the changes in character of movements as only symptoms when they seek care for decreased fetal movements.

Future studies are needed. Women reported changes in fetal movement concerning frequency, intensity, character and duration; they described decreased, absence, weaker, slower and changed pattern of the movements. Froen JF. A kick from within--fetal movement counting and the cancelled progress in antenatal care.

J Perinat Med. Article PubMed Google Scholar. Neldam S. Fetal movements as an indicator of fetal wellbeing. Green-top guideline No. London: Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists; Accessed 17 May Nowlan NC. Biomechanics of foetal movement. Eur Cell Mater. Patterns of gross fetal body movements over hour observation intervals during the last 10 weeks of pregnancy. Am J Obstet Gynecol. Maternal characteristics and pregnancy outcomes in women presenting with decreased fetal movements in late pregnancy.

Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. Radestad I, Lindgren H. Sex Reprod Healthc. Factors affecting maternal perception of fetal movement.

Obstet Gynecol Surv. Antepartum fetal surveillance in the patient with decreased fetal movement. Fisher ML. Reduced fetal movements: a research-based project. Br J Midwifery. Article Google Scholar. Fried AM. Distribution of the bulk of the normal placenta. Review and classification of cases by ultrasonography.

Reduced fetal movement: factors affecting maternal perception. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. Johnson TR. Maternal perception and Doppler detection of fetal movement. This is not a reliable way to check your baby's health. Even if you hear a heartbeat, this does not mean your baby is well. If your baby is not well, they will not be as active as usual. This means less movement can be a sign of infection or another problem.

The sooner this is found out the better, so you and your baby can be given the right treatment and care. It's not likely your baby can move too much.

The important thing is to be aware of your baby's usual pattern of movements. Any changes to this pattern of movements should be checked by a midwife or doctor.

For more on how your little one will develop in the coming months, check out our third trimester guide. At 29 weeks, the average fetus is about the size of a butternut squash. The illustration below offers you a look at how your baby may be positioned at 29 weeks.

Right now, eating healthily is vital for the growth of your baby. Two important nutrients include iron and calcium. Iron helps your body maintain and replenish red blood cells, which transport oxygen throughout the body and prevent anemia.

Moms-to-be need at least 30 milligrams of iron each day, which can come from iron-rich foods like beef or pork liver, beans, and fortified whole-grain cereals and oatmeal. Your healthcare provider will likely keep an eye on your iron levels and prescribe an iron supplement, if necessary. You can get this much calcium from just a few slices of whole grain bread, or from cheese, broccoli, or yogurt.

Overall, during this last trimester, you need about extra calories each day, and at 29 weeks pregnant, you can expect your weight gain to be about one pound each week from now until the end of your pregnancy, or approximately 12 pounds, assuming you were in the normal BMI range before your pregnancy and that you give birth at 40 weeks.

Learn more about weight gain during pregnancy. At 29 weeks pregnant, here are some of the symptoms you may be experiencing:. Varicose veins. They occur when your growing uterus puts pressure on the major veins that move blood from your lower body to your heart. To relieve any discomfort, try not to sit or stand for long periods of time, and elevate your feet whenever possible to improve circulation.

Wearing support hose can also help — just make sure the style you choose does not constrict at the thigh or the knee.

You might just try another time to launch a kick count when your baby seems to be more active. But there are other more potentially serious reasons that your baby might not be moving around as much. Your doctor may want to do some further evaluation if your kick counts are showing decreased movements. Eventually, you may be able to do more specific monitoring yourself at home.

However, there was a correlation between increased movements and other complications. More predictable signs that your baby may be gearing up for an exit include:. Every baby is different — even for the same woman. Your first baby may move around a lot more — or a lot less — than your second. And as your pregnancy progresses, those kick counts can be a good way to give yourself some peace of mind.

Feeling your baby move is one of the most exciting milestones of your pregnancy. We'll tell you when this should happen and how it changes over time. The second and third trimesters of pregnancy are a time of constant change for both you and your growing baby. Along with all the kicks and jabs, you…. For many people, the third trimester of pregnancy can be an anxious time.