baby movement during labour?

Question

My baby seems to move more now than ever. At 39 weeks pregnant.

This causes some pain and discomfort. Does the baby move during labour or do they stay still?

Answer 1

Hi and well done for getting this far! I was in labour for 11 hours and all throughout my pregnancy, he was a wiggler! When I was in labour he was still moving around, but from when I was about 5 centimetres dilated he either stopped moving or I could not feel it anymore, because it really bloody hurt! I only had paracetamol through my labour and just after passing the 6 centimetre gap, I went onto gas and air (whehay!)

It will hurt and it is hard work but giving birth is really easy, it's the labour that's the hard bit, and if he/she does move it won't bother you that much. Honestly, mine is only 4 months old, so the memory is still fresh, and soon you'll get to kick him/her back (joke!)
Good luck, don't worry, you'll be fine and so will your baby!

Answer 2

Yu will find that in the days before you actually go into labour, baby will slow down a little. Baby also gets ready for the birth and seems to store up energy. During actual labour you probably wont be aware of movements, but the midwife will definately be monitoring baby's heart beat etc. Contraction help squeeze baby down, and at the same time space becomes a little tighter so baby probably won't move other than to move out!!! At this final stage, their movements seem like huge kicks, but space is limited now as baby is fully grown and although uncomfortable, at least you know baby is well! Good luck with the birth and I hope you have many years of joy!!

Answer 3

My youngest moved around alot when I was in labour, They get uncomfortable too being all squashed up, and he kept pressing on my cervix on the weeks leading up to labour too this was a very sharp and uncomfortable feeling. Just be comforted by the fact it won't be long before you are looking into those big beautiful eyes and will be on the road to forgetting any discomfort you have suffered. I hope all goes well for you....big kiss for the baby x

Answer 4

My baby was always extremely active in my tummy - my belly was practically moving in all directions!! At week 36 - 38 (cannot quite remember), he was moving so much one night, I thought there was an alien in there - I believe this was when he finally settled and was ready to hatch! I was 7 days overdue, but from that day although there was a lot of movement, there was never a repeat of movement of such intensity. When I was in labour, I never felt the baby move.

Answer 5

They don't usually kick around, but will squirm. When you go into labor, the uterus will contract around the baby, squeezing him/her, so the baby will some times squirm around during contractions, probably trying to figure out why he, she is being sqeezed. lol. They will however kick and move around in between contractions some times. It is sort of painfull, since your muscles will already be sore from the labor pains... him/her moving will just hurt more. It will all be over soon... good luck.. I had 3 children with no pain relievers.. my son was almost 9 pounds. I am a little person, was 98 pounds when I became pregnant with my first two children, 109 when I got pregnant with my last. If I didn't die from the pain.. no one will. lol. I'm scared of needles too, so that influenced my decision.

Answer 6

They baby doesn't move much during labor. Actually, a good indicator that you are about to go into labor is that the baby almost stops moving for a day or two.

ASk your doctor about this as well. They are the professionals that can give you the "official" answer.

Answer 7

That all depends on the baby.
My friends baby was pushing her feet into her ribcage when she was in labour, i think she wanted to come out quicker!
Each baby is different and copes with labour in different ways, some move, some dont. Just the same as mum really.

Answer 8

I don't remember my baby moving moving much during the labour itself. It's an odd feeling when the head is out and the body is in though!

Answer 9

just because you are 39 weeks, expect that the baby is moving more than ever because you are on full term. and expect more uterine contractions which cause some pain and discomfort because of the same reason. just watch out for signs of labor at this point of time and go directly to the hospital especially if you have profuse watery discharges (maybe your bag of water ruptured) or even spotting bloody show associated with your uterine contractions. it only means that your baby will come out! congratulations!!! :D

Answer 10

Usually they stay still but some of them like to move a lot during labor. My 3 stayed pretty much in the same spot but I've heard of women who's babies only finally flipped to the head down position in labor.