You are here:

Childbirth/22 weeks preg...feel baby movement extremely low into pelvis, normal or sign of preterm???

Advertisement

Expert: - 3/14/2008


Question
Hi. I am just about 22 weeks pregnant with my 2nd baby girl. So far, so good, all looked well at 18 wk. ultrasound. Baby has been moving around very activley troughout the day, most at night. But, last few days baby seems to be way down low. I feel movement, either kicks or punches, sooooo low it feels like a foot/hand could pop right out! I can feel the movements in my rectum, and have lots of pressure on bladder, and baby seems to be dead- center in low pelvis. I am soooo scared that she has already moved into delivery posistion and wants to come out already!!! I do have a septated uterus (posibly a bicornuate, but i have been told both, so not sure which it is) which i know puts me at higher risk of preterm. My 2yr old came at 36 weeks which isn't too scary, so i just want this one to hang in there. Do you think this low posistion is just normal??

Answer
Brandi,


This is most likely normal.  The baby is still quite small and has lots of room to move around.  Unless you're experiencing other signs of preterm labor, such as contractions or other complications like unusual pain or bleeding, then I wouldn't be overly concerned.


Given your history, you'll most likely feel better if you contact your care provider and discuss this with them.  Stress isn't good for either of you, so getting their input on the situation might improve your peace of mind.


Best,
Catherine

Childbirth

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Catherine Beier MS CBE

Expertise

I can provide evidence-based information and current research findings concerning childbirth and pregnancy. My specializations include natural childbirth, pregnancy and birth interventions, fetal positioning, labor induction, choosing a care provider, midwives, homebirth, unassisted birth, natural pain relief, medications in pregnancy and birth, informed consent, understanding the risks and benefits of childbirth choices, doulas, waterbirth, childbirth methods, childbirth education classes, cesarean section, and VBAC.

Experience

I have been a childbirth educator, mother, author, public speaker, researcher, and birth advocate for the past 9 years. I am also the author of Giving Birth Naturally, a site dedicated to natural childbirth and pregnancy information. I publish evidence-based articles on pregnancy, childbirth, newborn care, and post-partum care. I'm also a mother of three children, two daughters and one son all born naturally. To learn more about what normal birth looks like, view the natural childbirth video of my son being born at home unassisted.

Publications
My book, Birth Outside the Box, was published in 2007.

Education/Credentials
I hold a Master's degree in communication disorders with an emphasis in child development. I am also an independent childbirth educator.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.