Yes, you should feel your baby move right up to and during labour.
Understanding Fetal Movement During Labor
It's natural for expectant parents to wonder about their baby's movements as labor progresses. Here's a detailed look at what you can expect:
What to Expect
- Consistent Movement: As stated in the reference, you should feel your baby move right up to and during labour. This is important to note and is a sign that your baby is doing well.
- Changing Patterns: While you will continue to feel movement, the pattern may change as labor intensifies.
- The baby has less room to move as you get closer to delivery.
- The movements may feel different than earlier in pregnancy.
- Active vs. Passive Movement: While you might perceive a decrease in significant kicking or punching, you will likely still notice rolling, shifting, or other subtle movements.
- Importance of Monitoring: Always pay attention to your baby's movements and report any significant changes or concerns to your healthcare provider.
When to Seek Advice
It's essential to consult your doctor or midwife if you notice:
- A sudden decrease in baby’s movements.
- An absence of movement over a few hours during labor.
- Any other unusual changes in fetal activity that concern you.
Factors Influencing Fetal Movement
Several factors can affect how you perceive fetal movement during labor, including:
- Baby's Position: How the baby is positioned can influence the type and intensity of movement you feel.
- Amniotic Fluid Levels: The amount of amniotic fluid can impact how easily the baby moves.
- Your Activity: Your own activity level and positioning can also influence your perception of movement.
Key Takeaway
| Point | Description |
|---|---|
| Movement During Labor | You should feel your baby move throughout labor. |
| Changes in Pattern | The movements may feel different than earlier in pregnancy. |
| Important Monitoring | Report any significant changes or concerns to your healthcare provider. |
| Consultation | Seek advice if there's a decrease in movements or no movement over a few hours. |
It is crucial to remember that while a reduction in big movements is common, you should still feel some activity from your baby during labour, which confirms the baby is doing well.
