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When to call the doctorDecreased fetal movementAround 18 weeks, the mother may notice the beginnings of movement. The fetus is only about five inches long but a flutter may be felt. From this point on, the fetus should normally begin to move more and more until sleeping becomes difficult. You will notice definite sleeping and waking patterns in the moving fetus. If the established pattern of movement lessens, or no movement is felt by week 22, you need to alert your doctor.As you approach the end of pregnancy, it is important that you continue to feel active periods of fetal movement. This is especially true if you’ve had any complication of pregnancy like hypertension or diabetes, etc. Many clinicians have different formulas for what they consider a “normal” amount of movement. Certainly every baby will not be the same in terms of the amount or quality of movements, but most healthy babies will move frequently. To do a fetal movement count, choose the babies most active time of day, and do it at the same time every day. Start the clock and see how long it takes you to record 10 movements – twists, pokes, kicks and turns. If the fetal activity is slower than normal, have something to eat or drink, walk around for 10 –15 minutes, and then lay down on your left side and see if the movement has picked up. Your baby should move a minimum of ten times in four hours – your clinician may have even stricter guidelines. If you have any concerns regarding fetal movements, especially a decrease in the quantity or quality of fetal movements, consult your physician without delay.
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