Baby movement guidelines seek to cut anxiety
Monday February 28th, 2011
A pregnant woman who thinks her baby's movements have slowed should lie on her side for two hours, according to new medical guidelines.
The
woman should feel at least ten discrete movements - and if not should
seek urgent help, according to the guidelines from the Royal College of
Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of the UK.
The guidelines set out how clinicians should check for complications - pointing out that in 70 per cent of cases a single instance of reduced foetal movement will not mean problems.
Once a woman experiences a second instance, she faces increased risks, the guidelines say.
The guidance says women should be encouraged to contact the maternity unit if they are worried - but clinicians should recognise that telling a woman to monitor movements may just increase anxiety.
The lying down procedure should be used after 28 weeks of pregnancy, the guidelines say.
Obstetrician Dr Melissa Whitworth, of St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK, said: "Being aware of babies' movements is something that mums can do to monitor the health of their unborn child. A reduction in movements can mean that the baby is not well in the womb and a very small proportion of these babies need to be delivered urgently.
"This guideline will hopefully help clinicians to provide high quality care for women with reduced foetal movements."
College president Dr Tony Falconer said: "Maternal perception of foetal movement is one of the first signs of foetal life and is an exciting time for the mother. Understandably, mothers may feel anxious if there is a decrease in foetal movement however there are often plausible reasons for this.
"The foetus may be in a state of sleep or the mother may be too busy to focus on foetal activity. It is important to remember however that each case is different and this new guideline is an extremely useful resource for clinicians treating women who may encounter reduced foetal movements."
Tags: Childbirth and Pregnancy | UK News | Women’s Health & Gynaecology
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