in August 2024 Babies 🇬🇧

Reduced Fetal Movement Check

I had a bit of an uncomfortable experience at the hospital today and wondering if anyone's had similar before. The babies movements had been a bit quieter over the weekend and we called the mamas line just to see if it was normal this stage or they wanted to check. They said come in just for us to monitor to check she's all OK. When I got to the hospital they were happy with her heartbeat and other recordings (by this point she also decided to show some more normal movements). We were happy to go but the midwife said because I'm over 40 weeks we have to see a doctor before leaving. We waited over 3 hours to see the doctor by which point I had felt some more movement, was happy with the results and wanted to get home. We asked how much longer the doctor would be, they said they are understaffed and there's lots of emergencies so couldn't give us a time. So I asked what the doctor needed to see me for and they said induction. I explained I know I don't want an induction so asked to go home. The midwives clearly disapproved of that idea and tried to talk me out of it (which I appreciate they need to do) so gave me a form to sign which outlined all the risks. That really spooked me so I decided to stay longer and my husband popped outside to rearrange some plans as we had friends due in the evening. Whilst he was outside, the doctor came in and seemed visibly annoyed and had clearly been told we'd tried to leave. She told me an induction is safest for the baby and that she's at risk by me declining an induction as my placenta could be failing. She said my chances of giving birth in the birth center are completely out the window either way now and it would be a ward labour so we are just delaying it unnecessarily. I explained my reasons for not wanting induction, that I was happy with the movement I felt since and also that my body didn't feel ready as she was still sitting high, my family seem to carry 2 weeks late and I didn't have any signs. She said family history doesn't mean anything the baby was ready weeks ago and there's only risks going over term if there's been a change to movement (despite them having improved since and the monitoring being healthy). At this point I became really upset my husband came in and we said we are going to go home, wait til the evening when she usually shows most movement then decide. I honestly just feel so upset and judged by the experience and really don't want to go back. We were only checking as an extra precaution, explained to everyone she was moving just not as kicky as before and we thought it was probably just being over cautious. I'm just so surprised by the really aggressive and what felt like unpleasant response. Like our choices had been taken away just from wanting to check. I'm glad we left to regroup because I would have hated that atmosphere to be the one we ended up having the baby in. I just feel really nervous to have the baby there now in whichever way she comes as I feel like we pissed the staff off by asking to leave. Also this idea I'm now not able to give birth in the birth center just for us checking.

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I was exactly in the same situation over the weekend. But even being understaffed, they were quick. The doctor just came to say they would offer an induction if I wanted. I went for a sweep - asked by me and said I could go on a balloon tomorrow. Dealing with anxiety is so difficult, but by doing that my mind was at ease. In general, the experience was good with the midwife & doctor. They didn't force anything but I could feel they preferred me to induce as I’m overdue 3 days -only.

Stick to your guns. There’s absolutely no reason you need to have an induction if your pregnancy has been healthy. 40 weeks is not an eviction notice and your dates could be wrong anyway - baby produces a hormone when they’re ready to be born and the birth centre cannot refuse you. There is the risk of your placenta deteriorating, but they could offer a scan to check this. Weigh up the risks of an induction (which statistically leads to further intervention in labour) and waiting past 40 weeks. Only you can decide what week you’re comfortable getting to.

If they were that worried about your placenta failing they would’ve offered a scan to check the blood flow… Absolutely out of order and unnecessary fear mongering. If you are happy with babies movements and they have no other concerns then you just need to do what you feel is best An episode of reduced movements also isn’t a reason for you not to be able to give birth in a birth centre, multiple episodes then yeah maybe. But you are still entitled to birth where you choose, and as long as you don’t have any other risk factors then I would stick to your guns So sorry this has happened xx

@Paula thank you for sharing! I might think about sweep when I go for the check tomorrow

@Char thank you, I might ask about that scan tomorrow!

It didn't hurt. Everything is normal so far. Did yesterday at 8 pm. X Good luck and trust your guts!!!

@Chloe thank you so much. Yes this was the first time in for reduced movements and she has been better since

Just do what you feel is right, mamas intuition xxx

Hi, out of curiosity was it at Wexham Park? I had similar experience with the doctor asking for induction today at 40 weeks as I have GD but is diet controlled; went in today and the midwife was happy with baby heartbeat and she said I am not even dilated so she sent me home and rebooked me for Thursday. I mean I understand some risks but if the body is not prepared the induction can take up to 7 days that s what they ve told me 🤦🏻‍♀️.

@Liana omg yes it was! What are the chances! That was my fear. I just feel my body isn't ready and I know that can mean it makes it an elongated less relaxed process

Hahahahah yeah when you mentioned Mamas line I thought Wexham or Frimley but given the experience you went thru 100% thought is Wexham, some doctors are great and relaxed some are panicky and pressure you into choices….which is not what we need during this process. Wish you all the best and fingers crossed all goes smooth and positive! ❤️

@Laura I'm sorry to hear this happened to you too. Did they say the monitoring affects how you can have the baby now? I have been shown this video which suggests it's happening alot from comments https://www.instagram.com/reel/CwZ3yK5g7KN/?igsh=ZWF6aXZ3MndhYnc=

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