Less Movement at 38 Weeks: What Does It Mean?
Experiencing less movement at 38 weeks of pregnancy can be a concerning sign for expectant mothers. While a decrease in sharp kicks and noticeable movements is normal as the baby grows and space becomes more limited, significant or sudden reductions in movement may signal a potential issue. These changes can be early indicators of fetal distress, which, if not addressed promptly, may lead to complications like frank breech baby abnormalities or even hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Understanding what causes decreased movement and knowing when to seek medical care can make a critical difference in ensuring a safe delivery.
How Often Should a Baby Move at 38 Weeks?
At 38 weeks, fetal movement patterns typically shift from rapid kicks to more rolling and stretching motions as the baby becomes more restricted by space. However, you should still feel about 10 distinct movements within a two-hour period, a practice commonly referred to as “kick counts.” If you experience less movement at 38 weeks, with fewer than 10 movements in two hours, this may be a sign of fetal distress. In this case, it’s crucial to contact your healthcare provider immediately to assess the situation and decide whether further intervention is needed.
Causes of Less Movement at 38 Weeks
The most common cause of reduced movement is the natural restriction of space in the womb as the baby grows. However, more serious factors, such as the baby sitting on the bladder or issues with the umbilical cord, may also contribute to reduced movement. By 28 weeks pregnant, many babies start moving into a head-down position, but if a baby remains in a breech position, this can impact movement levels as well. Complications like placental insufficiency or an issue with hip development in infants may restrict blood and oxygen flow, affecting the baby’s movements. In these cases, medical intervention is critical to determine whether the baby is in distress.
When to Go to the Hospital for Decreased Fetal Movement
Knowing when to go to the hospital for decreased fetal movement can make all the difference. If you notice a sudden or significant reduction in movement or no movement at all in two hours, contact your doctor immediately. Medical professionals may recommend a non-stress test (NST) or biophysical profile (BPP) to check the baby’s heart rate, oxygen levels, and overall health. In some cases, an emergency cesarean section may be necessary to deliver the baby before more serious complications arise.
Fetal Distress and Its Connection to HIE
Fetal distress occurs when the baby’s oxygen supply becomes compromised. If fetal distress goes untreated, it can lead to hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), a form of brain damage caused by oxygen deprivation. When a mother feels reduced movement at 38 weeks pregnant, it can be one of the earliest warning signs of distress. If medical staff do not act quickly to address this issue, the lack of oxygen can cause permanent brain damage, leading to long-term conditions like cerebral palsy and developmental delays.
Medical Responses to Decreased Fetal Movement
When a mother arrives at the hospital due to being 38 weeks pregnant but with reduced fetal movement, medical professionals will likely perform a variety of tests to monitor the baby’s condition. If there are signs of fetal distress, they may recommend immediate delivery. In these cases, a C-section is often the safest option to prevent further complications. Timely intervention is critical in ensuring the baby receives enough oxygen and avoids the risk of developing HIE. Failure to act swiftly can lead to devastating outcomes.
Reduced Movement at 38 Weeks and Breech Position
Babies in a breech position are less likely to engage in the typical head-down movement that signals readiness for birth. A frank breech baby, where the baby’s buttocks are positioned to be delivered first, can contribute to reduced movement as the baby’s position limits their mobility. This abnormal presentation can result in delayed or prolonged labor, which increases the risk of oxygen deprivation and fetal distress. Regular monitoring and ultrasound imaging can help determine if the baby is in breech position and whether intervention is required to ensure safe delivery.
Risk Factors for Decreased Fetal Movement
Various risk factors can contribute to reduced movement at 38 weeks. These include conditions like gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, or maternal obesity. If the stomach dropped meaning the baby has moved into the pelvis in preparation for labor, this can also cause reduced movement due to restricted space. Additionally, issues like the baby kicking the bladder or changes in fluid levels around the baby can impact movement. Understanding these factors can help expectant mothers stay vigilant and aware of any significant changes.
Treatment Options for Decreased Fetal Movement
If decreased movement is detected, doctors will first assess the baby’s condition using ultrasound or fetal heart monitoring. If the baby shows signs of distress, medical professionals may induce labor or perform an emergency C-section to ensure a safe delivery. In cases where oxygen deprivation has already occurred, therapeutic cooling (hypothermia therapy) may be used to reduce the risk of long-term brain damage. This treatment is most effective when administered within the first six hours after birth and can help limit the effects of HIE.
Potential Consequences of Ignoring Reduced Movement
Ignoring significantly less movement at 38 weeks can lead to serious consequences, particularly if fetal distress is involved. Failing to address oxygen deprivation can result in conditions like HIE or other birth injuries, with lifelong impacts on the child’s health. Developmental issues such as learning disabilities, motor impairments, hip dysplasia, or even cerebral palsy, may develop if oxygen flow to the baby’s brain is compromised. Acting swiftly and trusting your instincts when movement decreases is key to avoiding these outcomes.
Legal Implications of Ignoring Fetal Distress
In cases where healthcare providers fail to properly monitor fetal movement or delay necessary interventions, families may be entitled to pursue legal action for medical malpractice. If decreased movement goes unnoticed or medical professionals ignore warning signs, leading to birth injuries like HIE, this can be grounds for a medical malpractice claim. Misdiagnosis, failure to act, or improper monitoring can all contribute to life-altering injuries, making it essential for families to understand their legal rights.
How a Medical Malpractice Lawyer Can Help
If your baby suffered harm due to mismanaged or ignored fetal distress, consulting a medical malpractice lawyer can help you explore your legal options. A lawyer can investigate whether medical negligence played a role in the injury and help secure compensation for ongoing medical care and future needs. Joseph M. Lichtenstein, a highly experienced malpractice attorney, has over 20 years of experience handling birth injury cases. With his expertise, families can pursue justice and ensure that their child receives the necessary care after a preventable birth injury.