Do babies slow down?

Question

I'm 36 weeks pregnant with my 2nd and this baby is so active it hurts so bad sometimes. My first was never this active, i thought they were meant to slow down when you got closer to giving birth? but mine seems to be getting more active, does this mean i'll be over due?

Answer 1

The only reason they seem to "slow down" later in pregnancy is that as they grow in your belly, they have less wiggle room.

But that doesn't mean they always slow down. With both of my kids, it was like they were constantly in motion trying to get comfy.

It doesn't have anything to do with if you'll be overdue or not. THAT has to do with your cervix, and the two are not related.

Each pregnancy, like each child, is unique.

Also, in my experience, and what some other moms have told me, the second pregnancy can be a little harder on you, probably because you're also trying to keep up with another child. I remember being tired during my first pregnancy, but I was completely exhausted during the second. Also, with the second, I do remember being more aware of kicks and movements earlier on (I felt the first movement with the first pregnancy at around 18 weeks, but at 14 weeks the second time around), and they did seem stronger with my second one. I just chalked all of that up to being more aware of the effects the pregnancy was having on my body, seeing as I was not able to relax through it, but was trying to keep up with a one-year-old.

Answer 2

As a general rule, doctors say that baby's become less active as birth approaches due to lack of room in the uterus. However, I am sure you are aware that all pregnancies and all expectant mothers are different. It all happens the same way.... but the journey and arrival is different.

My daughter was OVER active hehe. She quite often really hurt me, sometimes making me squeel in pain. Try and lay down when your baby is active... it may not hurt you as much. Best wishes and congrats!

Answer 3

Babies tend to feel less active as they run out of room, just because they tend not to be able to get as much force/range of motion. However moms tend to be more aware of movements in subsequent pregnancies, and position of the placenta, which way the baby is facing, size of the baby, abdominal fat, etc can all play a role in perceived motion.

It isn't really related to how close you are to delivery. It might indicate that your baby is facing towards your belly. While at 36 weeks that isn't a problem -it can be a problem when you go into labour. Babies are meant to face your back during delivery. You might consider some simple changes to improve your posture such as using a "birthing ball"/yoga ball. Propping yourself up with pillows, kneeling, etc.

http://spinningbabies.com/
http://www.homebirth.org.uk/ofp.htm

Answer 4

There's really no way to tell if you will be overdue. Each pregnancy is also different. I know when you're pregnant you want each "thing" to mean something but it's an individual matter. Babies always get more active when YOU slow down. When you move around, your baby is lulled to sleep. But when you slow down he wakes up. Hang in there. It will be over with soon enough.

Answer 5

Each baby is different. You have no control over the activity level. My baby did the equivalent of salsa dancing (especially a fast version of the cha-cha the whole third trimester) and ruined the nerves to my legs from my back.

I did have a short labor, though, and she's still climbing trees and walls for fun at 26 years old. Oh, and she's an outstanding salsa dancer.

Answer 6

When I was pregnant with my LAST child (#4) whohooo!!,,,that lil bugger was soooo active it drove me nuts and I would literally grab my stomach with both hands and shake him telling him to chill out. It was just so frustrating. I then tried to look at it from the baby's view...he's getting bigger and cramped up in there and can't stretch the way he most likely wants to and he's just as anxious to get out as I was for him to be out. Look at it as a sign of life....and life is always good. G'luck!

Answer 7

with my first, he didnt slow down until about 39 weeks and he was over due by a week.

Answer 8

it is so cool to observe them flow in there!! I by no skill heard that no decrease in flow skill which you would be previous due. it is plausible that your infant only has a lot of room in there for the reason which you're enormous or she is small or she is only able the place she will unquestionably flow or you is additionally gentle to her strikes. i understand they now and returned decelerate in shifting close to the tip yet, mine by no skill did and she or he replaced into 3 weeks early.

Answer 9

actually they get MORE active the closer you are...that has been my experience--it's as tho they are ancy as they know what is about to come.i dont think you will go over,the agravating wiggling i had with my boy got more intense and it was within a week that i had him.good luck and best wishes.