What did movements feel like in late pregnancy?

[Kennyjen]

Hello everyone,

Just wondered what your baby’s movements felt like in late pregnancy?

I started maternity leave last week and I’m finding I’m obsessed with checking movements and even the slightest change sets my anxiety skyrocketing. When I had a check up a month ago, the midwife said movements might feel a bit different as the pregnancy progresses, but should still be frequent/her established pattern. She’s definitely still moving regularly in there, but I feel like there are fewer intense jabs if that makes sense?

Would be great to hear some real experiences on this.

Thanks!

[DianeArnold Partner]

Hi Kennyjen. Often, as there is less room to move, you fell pushing rather than kicks. Stretching too can happen with a bulge sticking out - a foot or bottom. If you want to feel baby move more, then lie on your back on the floor. They don’t feel comfortable on your spine! Hope all continues as it should. Diane

[Kennyjen in reply to DianeArnold]

Thanks for replying and for the reassurance, Diane. I’m definitely still seeing the bulges! She’s having a little stretch as I type 😊

[Fruitandflowers]

I was told there would be a pattern and to look out for any changes and honestly I could not fathom what routine or pattern my little one was working to - often she was active in the early hours, but not always, and sometimes I would feel and see her turn her whole body over which was really disconcerting. I guess it was more like rolling and longer movements towarsd the later stages, than short sharp kicks, although if they hit an organ, kick your cervix or get your spine you will know about it. I was told to drink a glass of ice water and that should make the baby move, but didn't work. I also kept forgetting to check how many times she moved or when... so when I remembered, I would get myself in a flap, although I managed to resist actually going to hospital until the week before I was due when I was convinced there were reduced movements and my waters had broken. Everything was fine and they hadn't broken (apparently you will really know when that happens), but it was incredibly reassuring to get it checked out. So I think to an extent you will know what's normal and when something might be wrong, but it's always best to check with your midwife and hospital if you're worried.

[Kennyjen in reply to Fruitandflowers]

Thanks for replying! The movements definitely feel more like rolling and I do see bulges which I’m guessing is an arm, leg or her bum. I think I need to find something to distract myself a little bit rather than questioning every little movement. Waiting for her to arrive is hard!

[JoyfulStar]

Hi there, I think they give you a set of guidelines so that people err on the side of caution. I think the reality is movements vary from baby to baby.

My girls patterns changed through the course of the pregnancy. Her movement changed when she was in the upside down position and then when she was breech towards the end. The way they felt was different as well. Over time I had less kicks, jabs and more rolls. If I felt a kick, it was more distinct because she was obviously bigger and stronger. I would say that when the patterns changed, it became a bit predictable after a while e.g. in my second trimester my daughter was more active in the middle of the night but then in the third she was more active early in the morning.

If you are worried, I would go get checked out. It can be very reassuring once you do.

[Kennyjen]

Thanks for replying. I’m definitely feeling the rolling or stretching a lot more and she’s always been more active in the evening. None of that has changed. Now I’m not at work, I’m questioning every little change. I’ve been in for a check over once and will call if I start to worry 😊