Osmosis Mom Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 How many movements is it you should feel/try to feel pr hour? Is it three? Also, tricks to get labor going for a first timer? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
higginszoo Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 (edited) Three sounds about right. But it's going to depend somewhat on the personality of the baby. Some move a whole lot, even at the end, and I know that I had one who barely even wiggled most of the time. He was fine, but three movements would have been a lot for him. I'd worry about less than three for a kid who has been very active up until now, but if you can get a squirm out of a baby who has been pretty quiet all along, they may be fine. As far as encouraging them to head out -- lots of walking, also what got the baby in there in the first place is great for encouraging the cervix to soften and open. One homeschool board I know of swears by a whole lot of Reese's peanut butter cups. I don't know if there's any good science behind it, but if I were in that position, I might give it a try. Edited February 15, 2012 by higginszoo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abbeyej Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 Remind the first time mama to stay well-hydrated too. I truly believe that some of the complications I experienced with my first were due to mild dehydration (then greatly exacerbated by the hospital policies). Eating well and drinking well will help prepare her body. Lots and lots of walking -- but not to the point of exhaustion. I believe the official goal is 10 kicks counted in one hour -- but if baby is sleeping, it might take a little longer. Sometimes eating a piece of fruit can help get baby going. So have a snack, then lie down on the left side and record the times of each kick until 10 kicks are felt. Should take 30-60 minutes. If it takes more than 120 minutes, call the doctor or midwife for further instructions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in Australia Posted February 16, 2012 Share Posted February 16, 2012 My babies would not have regular movements per hour. they would have times when they were awake and jumping around, fighting with my internal organs and trying to kick themselves out. Then they would have times when they were asleep and not moving. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted February 16, 2012 Share Posted February 16, 2012 Ice cold apple juice, or any juice, helps to get baby moving if you are worried. The sugar revs them up, and the cold wakes them up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phathui5 Posted February 16, 2012 Share Posted February 16, 2012 http://www.americanpregnancy.org/duringpregnancy/kickcounts.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phathui5 Posted February 16, 2012 Share Posted February 16, 2012 How far past your due date are you? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moxie Posted February 16, 2012 Share Posted February 16, 2012 My OB just told me that if I eat a snack and then sit down, I should feel at least 5 movements. If I don't feel 5, I'm supposed to call her. Although, at 35, I'm 'advanced maternal age' so I might have special rules. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MistyMountain Posted February 16, 2012 Share Posted February 16, 2012 Movement should never slow down or lessen even at the end of the pregnancy. It can be a sign of distress if movements slows down. Movements might not feel as strong when there is less room to really jab but it should be as frequent as it has been all along. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VeganCupcake Posted February 16, 2012 Share Posted February 16, 2012 My instructions from my midwife were ten per hour, during a time when I was focused primarily on counting movements, and lying down. And during a time when baby generally had an active time. If it took more than an hour to get ten movements, then I was to call my midwife. In my experience, none of the natural induction methods really did much. I nursed throughout my second pregnancy, even in early labor, and it didn't speed things along much at all. My second baby was born at 40+6--a bit earlier than my first, who was born at 41+4. (Both were spontaneous labors, though.) I found that getting as much rest as possible and doing enjoyable things was the best way to spend those last days/weeks: massages, pedicures, naps, reading a book uninterrupted . . . . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
besroma Posted February 16, 2012 Share Posted February 16, 2012 Evening primrose oil gel capsules help to soften the cervix and encourage things to move along. Some take them internally at night, some take them orally each day. They worked for me twice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Osmosis Mom Posted February 16, 2012 Author Share Posted February 16, 2012 This is for my young friend, not for me. Thanks for the advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abbeyej Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 I see it's been two days now... How's she doin'? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Osmosis Mom Posted February 17, 2012 Author Share Posted February 17, 2012 She delivered yesterday actually. She called me for advice during labor, but of course I missed the call and did not reach her dh till 10 min after delivery. Did not ask details about her delivery, so no real update!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbkaren Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 Glad it went okay, at any rate! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beaners Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 One homeschool board I know of swears by a whole lot of Reese's peanut butter cups. I don't know if there's any good science behind it, but if I were in that position, I might give it a try. My first was a couple days early, but my second was induced at 10 days over and third started naturally at around 10 days over. I love peanut butter cups, so I'm keeping this in mind if this baby is a slowpoke too! She delivered yesterday actually. She called me for advice during labor, but of course I missed the call and did not reach her dh till 10 min after delivery. Did not ask details about her delivery, so no real update!! It sounds like things worked out! :party: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juelle Posted February 18, 2012 Share Posted February 18, 2012 So glad baby's here! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starr Posted February 18, 2012 Share Posted February 18, 2012 Congratulations to your friend! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.