Q: Hi Dr. I’m 37 week pregnant my baby is not moving anymore. Is it normal or something is wrong?

 A: The first time you feel your baby’s movement is known as quickening and the time women feel it varies person to person. It ranges from 16 to 25 weeks but women who have had babies before may feel this much earlier. Women describe it as different things: a bubbly feeling, butterflies in their tummy, gas etc.

You would have observed that your doctor or midwife has asked you to be aware of your baby’s movement and specifically, make a note to let them know if the movements reduce. This is because reduced baby’s movements may signify baby is in distress or other problems.

You may notice that when you drink cold water, that baby moves around. This is, theoretically because the uterus/womb is close to the digestive tract such that the cold water in the digestive tract stimulates the baby to move. Women who feel concerned about their baby’s movements are, sometimes, asked to do this and check for baby’s movement at home.

So, what to do now? Go see your doctor immediately and let him examine you and speak to baby’s health. Better safe than sorry.

All the best!