Reduced Fetal Movements: When Not to Wait

One of the most comforting things during pregnancy is feeling your baby move. Fetal movements like kicks, rolls, stretches, and flutters are the most important indicators of a baby’s health. Change in movement pattern throughout the pregnancy is normal, though a prominent reduction or sudden change should always be checked, especially after 28 weeks of pregnancy. Knowing when reduced fetal movements can indicate an issue will result in the right medical care being granted in time, thus leading to a better outcome.

The scope of women’s healthcare in Delhi has come a long way in terms of monitoring and managing high-risk as well as normal pregnancies. Nowadays, families usually search for the best obstetricians in Delhi, who can help them with clear and evidence-based care, especially when issues like reduced fetal movements arise, because of the access to advanced diagnostics and experienced specialists.

What Are Fetal Movements and When Do They Start?

Fetal movements are typically felt by most women around the 18th to the 22nd week of pregnancy. At the start, they will be perceived as light flutters, but with the increase in size of the fetus, the movements will get stronger and more regular. By the time of the third trimester, babies are expected to create a certain activity pattern that can be quite predictable, often influenced by the mom’s meals, sounds, or the change of the baby’s position.

It is important to remember that every baby is different. Some are simply more active than the others. The most important thing is to notice a change in the baby’s pattern from the usual one.

What is Reduced Fetal Movement?

The term “reduced fetal movement” doesn’t necessarily mean that the fetus’s movements have completely stopped. It may include:

• Less kicking or rolling than usual is done by the fetus
  
  

• Movements of lower strength
  
  

• Long periods of inactivity than the baby’s normal routine
  
  

Sometimes factors like maternal activity, dehydration, or the baby's sleep cycle can cause movement to temporarily decrease. However, it is always better to check with a doctor when there is a sudden or persistent reduction in fetal movement.

Possible Causes of Reduced Fetal Movements

There are a number of reasons, both harmless and more serious, that can lead to a reduced fetal movements. Some of them are:

• Baby sleeping pattern: Babies can sleep for as long as 40-90 minutes at a time.
  
  

• Position of the placenta: A placenta close to the front might cause movements to be less felt.
  
  

• Maternal reasons: Dehydration, smoking, or certain medications.
  
  

• Medical issues: Growth restriction, reduced oxygen supply, or placental problems.
  
  

Since some causes may have negative impacts on fetal health, it is always best to ask for medical advice rather than to wait. Consulting an experienced gynae in Delhi at the first sign of reduced fetal movements allows for timely assessment, reassurance, and intervention when required.

When Should You Not Wait?

A sudden drop in your baby’s usual movements should be reported to the healthcare provider or you should go to the hospital immediately if:

• You feel no movement for hours during a time when the baby is normally active
  
  

• Movements are significantly weaker than they used to be
  
  

• Pain, bleeding, or fluid leakage accompany the decrease in movements
  
  

Waiting for the routine next appointment is not an option in these situations. Early assessment can make a crucial difference. 

What Will the Doctor Check?

Your doctor will take a comprehensive view of the situation when you give them the reduced fetal movement report. This may include:

• Listening to the baby’s heartbeat
  
  

• Doing a non-stress test (NST)
  
  

• Scanning the baby and checking growth, fluid levels, and blood flow
  
  

The Cloudnine Advanatge

Cloudnine is highly recognized for its expertise in pregnancy & women's health. The Cloudnine team is made up of qualified and experienced OB-GYNs, state of the art fetal monitoring/care, and a supportive environment, resulting in quick identification and treatment of concerns such as decreased fetal movement. 

Through well-designed protocols, Cloudnine is able to quickly identify patients with increased risk of fetal movement and provide reassurance when everything is normal. 

If you live in or around Delhi, consulting a reliable gynae in Delhi at Cloudnine ensures that all these processes will be carried out early and the results interpreted correctly, thereby minimizing anxiety while addressing genuine risks.

Conclusion

Reduced fetal movements are a signal that deserves attention, not hesitation. Though the baby is often fine, sometimes timely intervention is needed. Always make sure to pay attention to your instincts and seek medical help immediately. 

With the changing healthcare landscape and access to highly skilled specialists, women today are guaranteed access to the best obstetricians in Delhi, at Cloudnine, to safely navigate through their pregnancy and other concerns. Being aware, attentive, and prepared can greatly impact a woman’s experience during her pregnancy.