36 Weeks and Baby Not Moving Much

by Amanda
(Cleveland TN)

I am in my 36th week of pregnancy and I am so used to my baby moving and kicking and what not, and I have not yet experienced Bloody Show. This started yesterday, but before that he was moving really well. I just want to know if this is normal and if he is going to be here soon? :)

Answer:

Hi Amanda,

Babies do tend to slow down a lot near the end of your pregnancy. It's pretty normal for movement to become less as your baby grows and has less and less room to move around.

Sometimes less movement can mean labor is about to start, and sometimes it just means baby is running out of space.

You may also have a very busy day and not notice as much movement because you've kept your baby calm by all of your movement.

If you're worried, eat something with a little sugar and lie down on your left side. If you don't feel several movements, go ahead and call your doctor or midwife, or go to labor and delivery at the hospital and ask to have your baby monitored. Always go with what your instincts tell you -- if you're worried you can have your baby checked.