On the Coast – Families Issue 94 I June/July 2018 | Page 13

What will your healthcare provider do?
When you contact your midwife or
obstetrician they will normally ask you to
go to the hospital so that they can assess
your baby. Your midwife or obstetrician
will listen to your baby’s heart rate with a
doppler or if you are more then 26 weeks
they will use a cardiotocograph (CTG)
which will record your baby’s heart rate
continuously. They may suggest that you
have an ultrasound or sometimes a blood
test as well. If they detect any problems
with your baby, then they will monitor
you and your baby more frequently.
Sometimes it may be suggested that your
baby needs to be born earlier.
If your baby’s movements return to
normal and everything is ok, then it is
important that you continue to monitor
your baby’s movements each day.
Use of fetal dopplers at home
Fetal dopplers are now widely available
for purchase. Some women now
purchase dopplers for use at home,
after all it is exciting to hear your baby’s
heartbeat. It is important to remember
that dopplers are medical equipment that
should only be used by trained health
Myths…
• Having sugary or cold drinks/food will make my baby move
more. False, movements should continue in a normal pattern
despite what you eat or drink.
• Movements reduce because babies run out of room to move in the
last few weeks of pregnancy. False, your baby continues to move.
• I will speak to my midwife about it at my next appointment.
False, you should call as soon as you notice a change of movements.
• It’s 3am, I don’t want to wake my midwife/obstetrician
unnecessarily. False, your healthcare professionals are available
to call 24/7, they prefer you to call straight away.
• I must be about to go into labour, movements stop before/
during labour. False, movements continue through labour.
• My best friend/mum/internet forum said that it is normal.
False, you should contact your midwife or obstetrician for advice.
professionals. A baby who is unwell may
reduce their movements, however you
may still be able to hear their heartbeat.
Using a doppler at home may give you
false reassurance that your baby is ok
and may lead to a delay in seeking help
from your midwife or obstetrician.
Where can I go for more information?
www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/baby-
movements-during-pregnancy
www.miraclebabies.org.au/families/
pregnancy/your-babys-movements/
www.stillaware.org
Jessica Moran is a Midwife and Registered Nurse. She can be found at The Pregnancy Centre at
Mingara Medical where she provides midwifery care, in conjunction with Mingara Medical’s GPs. Call
4302 3333 for a preconception planning appointment, early pregnancy services and routine antenatal
and postnatal care.
Enquire Today!
MARDI 4 Woodbury Park Drive, Mardi
Ph 4356 4100 Opening hours 6am–6pm Mon–Fri
BATEAU BAY 532 The Entrance Road, Bateau Bay
Ph 4334 4314 Opening hours 7am–6pm Mon–Fri
JUNE/JULY – ISSUE 94
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