From the Research
If you experience decreased fetal movements at 36 weeks of gestation, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately or go to the hospital for evaluation. Decreased fetal movement can be a warning sign that your baby might not be receiving adequate oxygen or nutrients. When you arrive, healthcare providers will likely perform a non-stress test to monitor your baby's heart rate and movements, and possibly an ultrasound to check amniotic fluid levels and overall fetal well-being, as supported by a study published in 2022 1.
Key Considerations
- Decreased fetal movement is a concern that warrants immediate medical attention, regardless of gestational age.
- A non-stress test is a common initial assessment tool for decreased fetal movements, as it can indicate fetal distress or compromise, with studies such as 1 highlighting its predictive value.
- While waiting for medical evaluation, trying to stimulate fetal movement by drinking a cold, sweet beverage and lying on your left side can be helpful, aiming to feel at least 10 movements within a two-hour period.
- The importance of not delaying medical attention if movements remain reduced cannot be overstated, given the potential risks to fetal health and the findings from research like 2, which underscores the significance of prompt evaluation and management.
Evidence-Based Recommendations
- The most recent and relevant study 1 from 2022 emphasizes the role of the non-stress test in predicting maternal and fetal outcomes in patients presenting with reduced fetal movement at term, highlighting its utility in clinical practice.
- Other studies, such as 2 from 2018, discuss the management and outcome of reduced fetal movements, suggesting that ultrasound may not always be necessary but that careful assessment and monitoring are crucial.
- It's essential to prioritize the health and safety of the fetus, given that decreased movement can be an indicator of potential issues, as discussed in various studies including 3, even if the primary focus is on more recent, high-quality evidence like 1.