WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for September, 1999: Re: baby movement

Re: baby movement

From: Danielle (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Tue, 14 Sep 1999 13:18:48 -0500 (CDT)

Messages sorted by: [ date ][ thread ][ subject ][ author ]
Next message: Anita: "UltraSound Results"
Previous message: AMY: "SEVERE PAIN IN LOWER RIGHT ABDOMEN 2-3 DAYS AFTER PERIOD"

Hello! My name is Danielle Erickstad and I am writing in response to your question concerning fetal movement. I am a junior nursing student at the University of North Dakota and have done some research about the topic of fetal movement during pregnancy. I hope what I have found will be of some help to you. Throughout my research I could not find a definite standard for what could be considered "normal" fetal movement. An article in the October 1994 issue of Parent's Magazine reminds parents how important it is to keep in mind that each baby is different and that some are more active than others (Bohon & von Nostitz, 1994). How much a baby moves can also change from day to day and as the pregnancy progresses (Bohon & von Nostitz, 1994). According to Freda, Mikhail, Mazloom, Polizzotto, Damus & Merkatz (1993), fetal movements are first felt around 18 weeks gestation and the largest number of movements are felt between 29 and 38 weeks. Bohon & von Nostitz (1994) state you should feel fetal movement every day by the 24th week and by the 28th week you should feel movements throughout the day. However, it is also important to note that factors such as diet and smoking can affect fetal movement (Springer, Spatz & Donahue, 1994). If you have not felt the baby move for an extended period of time, try drinking a glass of juice or having a snack, lie on your left side, then see if you notice an increase in movement. If you do not feel any activity after two consecutive hours of monitoring you should contact your healthcare provider (Connors, Natale, & Nasello, 1988). Also note that smoking can also cause decreased fetal movement. In another article I found related to fetal movement Reeder, Martin, & Koniak (1992) state that "many fetuses, although alive and healthy, seem to move about very little in the uterus, and not infrequently, a day or so may pass early in pregnancy without movement being felt." These authors go on to say if a few days pass without movements, the nurse or physician should check for fetal heartbeatIf fetal heart beat and movements are present, the mother can be reassured that the fetus is alive and well, (Reeder, Martin, & Koniak, 289, 1992). I hope that this information will be of some assistance to you. And I also would like to strongly encourage you to contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns regarding your baby's movement. He/She would best be able to determine if what you are experiencing is normal. Thank You, Danielle Erickstad, College of Nursing Student, University of North Dakota

Bohon, C., & von Nostitz, P, (1994). I feel a kick! Parents, (10) 69, p. 57-58.

Connors,G., Natale, R. & Nasello-Paterson, C., (1988). Maternally perceived fetal activity from twenty-four weeks' gestation to term in normal and at risk pregnancies. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 158 (2): 294-299.

Freda, M., Mikhail, M., Mazloom, E., Polizzotto, R., Damus, K., & Merkatz, I., (1993). Fetal movement counting: which method? American Journal of Maternal Child Nursing, 18 (6): p. 314-321.

Reeder, Martin, & Koniak (1992). Maternity Nursing (17th ed). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Company.

Springer, M., Spatz, D., & Donahue, D., (1994). Maternal-fetal physical assessment in the home setting: role of the advanced practice nurse. Journal of Obstetric-Gynecologic-and-Neonatal Nursing, 23 (8), p. 720-725.

Next message: Anita: "UltraSound Results"
Previous message: AMY: "SEVERE PAIN IN LOWER RIGHT ABDOMEN 2-3 DAYS AFTER PERIOD"

use when must restrict search to only the women's health forum...
Enter search keywords:
	Returns per screen: Require all keywords: