Should I worry - baby movement?

[Csara]

Ok, so this kid has been a MAJOR mover and shaker for a very long time. I mean, crazy active movements many times a day....

Well, for the past couple of days, I haven't felt him move nearly as much. I mean, I've felt him, but the movements are much more subtle and much less frequent.

I also feel different....hollower under my ribcage, a bit easier to breathe (although the heartburn is still in full force)...so I'm thinking he may have dropped. I don't feel more pressure in my pelvis though.

Do babies become less active when they've dropped?

[B'sgirl]

I'm not sure, but Abbie got a lot less active when I was as far along as you are and it really scared me. I think she just ran out of room to move or was getting ready for the big push. She stayed less active up until birth. She never dropped until I was in labor, although I thought she had because like you, I felt less rib pressure and could breathe better. Maybe the pressure lessens when they aren't trying to move so much.

[CC21]

I can't remember with either of my kids. But if you are worried, I would definitely call and at least talk to a nurse. If nothing else, it might give you peace of mind.

[Deana]

Nicole for sure became a LOT less active (so much that I panicked and called the Dr) a couple of weeks before she was born. I can't really remember if Ella did or not. I had an external version with both of them (yes, the both wanted to be breech) at 37 weeks, and I think they got real comfy - and less active - after that.

[RedBedHead]

If I remember correctly, it's totally normal for fetal movement to decrease significantly as the birth gets closer. I think (from what I remember) that you should call your dr. if you lay on your side and feel nothing for 30 minutes.

[jana]

Sounds like he has dropped and gotten himself squished in there where there's not much room to wiggle anymore! I definitely remember ds not moving as much towards the end.

I think the guideline is 10 movements within 2 hours. Drink a glass of ice water or juice and go lay down on your side for a while while you count.

[Csara]

Thanks for the reassurance. I've been feeling him, it's just definitely more subtle. I'm sure it's because he is running out of room. I will def mention it to the OB on Wednesday though....

[IUgrad02]

I would never hesitate to mention it to the OB. Better to be safe than sorry. I just had to comment b/c you mentioned the hollow feeling... I remembr that as plain as day! I went to my best friend's baby shower (exactly 4 weeks before C's birth), and that day we noticed that the baby was so much lower, and we could literally poke down into my skin (DEEP!) right above my belly/below my chest.. it was the weirdest feeling. Just days before that, it seemed like my bump was RIGHT under my boobs. It was a huge change!!! Ahh, I loved the pregnant belly!!!