Foetal problems and distress

Sometimes, the baby may have problems while in the mother. The baby might be sick and not growing adequately and this may increase the risk of foetal distress and increase the risk of still born birth.

Symptoms

The baby stops / reduces its movements and kicks.  You should be monitoring the number of kicks over a certain period of time and if it reduces below the usual (usually after the 26th week of pregnancy), then call your doctor. Doctors also usually ask you to check if some of the kicks occurred when it was dark.

Kick counts - For example, you can drink some juice and lie down (to make the baby active) and then count the number of times the baby kicks in an hour or so. Ask your doctor about what parameters to use for the kick-count. Many doctors use 10 kicks / per hour at 3 different times of the day (accounting for baby’s sleep). It can vary depending on the doctor and your pregnancy, so please check with your doctor.

Diagnosis

If you report a reduction in movement, the doctor will conduct a non-stress test, and if necessary a stress test and a BPP (Bio-Physical Profile). 

Treatment

Usually, the mother is kept under closer inspection and may asked to rest more. It may also mean more frequent visits to the doctor for monitoring. If the baby continues to be distressed, doctors may choose to deliver the baby through a c-section (caesarian).