It would mean that your baby has moved less than usual. If she or he has moved less than usual, that does not mean that he or she is inactive or less active. On the contrary, you should continue to feel your baby move.
When you lie on your left side (which is where most women find themselves when they seek health care due to worry over reduced fetal movements), your baby’s back is supported by two pillows. One pillow is on your back, the other is on your left hip. If your baby has moved less than usual, you should see your midwife or local maternity unit to check that you are not over- or under-reporting your baby’s movements.
When you lie on your right side (which is where most women find themselves when they seek health care due to worry over reduced fetal movements), your baby’s back is supported by a single pillow. One pillow is on your right hip, the other is on your left arm. If your baby has moved less than usual, you should see your local maternity unit to check that you are not over- or under-reporting your baby’s movements.
When you are out and about, such as when you walk, run or bike, your baby should be able to feel your touch. If not, you should see your midwife or local maternity unit. You should not be asked to do anything by your doctor or midwife.
What would reduced fetal movement mean?
The answer is that it would be possible to walk or run more or less freely for a period of time. This would cause little or no impairment and would probably be considered to be a normal movement pattern in the normal womb. There is no routine in the labour ward or hospital obstetrics unit for fetal movement but there is generally a good response to routine checks-the-baby’s-wellness and there is little or no risk of harm.
There are several ways to look at a baby’s movement, some of which can be used to identify fetal well-being. The most common is a Pap smear. This test looks for the presence of the virus in the urine or faeces of the baby. If the baby’s weight is less than or equal to 25% of the recommended range then the baby is considered to be unwell (
). This test is sensitive to the presence of the virus and can be used to quickly diagnose
There are many other ways to look at a baby’s movement, some of which are more sensitive than the one described above. It is also worth noting that different testing methods use the same criteria.
It is also worth noting that differentiating fetal well-being from normal changes in activity can be difficult. It is possible that the same pattern of movements may be seen in both cases. This is why it is important for the mother to be screened for the presence of RFM during pregnancy.
RFM is more commonly seen in women who have already given birth than controls.
