AboutBrenda Expertise I have been an R.N. since 1988 and come from a family of nurses. I have clinical experience in labor and delivery, as well as post-partum care and pre-term pregnancy complications. I have also worked in Community Health Clinics dealing with this area of expertise, including WIC (Women, Infant, & Children) clinics performing nursing evaluations and assessments in determining a need for services or intervention for pregnant women, newborns, and young children. I have worked in immunization clinics in and around my community as well. I also have several years experience in OB and Pediatric Home Care Nursing. In addition to that, I am a mother of two, ages 21 and 16, both of which I had hoped would be vaginal deliveries, but ended up being C-Sections... one of which had me in pre-term labor...another which was frank breech (bottom first)... one who rejected the breast... and so on... to list my personal experience would be a bit lengthy! I'd simply like to help anyone who might have a question or concern that I can draw on my expertise to answer!
Experience I have been an R.N. since 1988 and come from a family of nurses. I have clinical experience in labor and delivery, as well as post-partum care and pre-term pregnancy complications. I have also worked in Community Health Clinics dealing with this area of expertise, including WIC (Women, Infant, & Children) clinics performing nursing evaluations and assessments in determining a need for services or intervention for pregnant women, newborns, and young children. I have worked in immunization clinics in and around my community as well. I also have several years experience in OB and Pediatric Home Care Nursing. My experience also includes approximately three years working in Behavioral Services.
Education/Credentials Graduated from the Mary Lanning School of Nursing in May 1988. Have been a licensed Registered Nurse in the state of NE since 1988.
Question I am 22 weeks pregnant,now a days i am feeling strong pressurized fetal movements and my tummy gets harder when he moves,but around every 2 to 3 days the movements become very faint and rare making me worried.Is it normal to have such cycles?
Moreover my recent ultrasound showed that the cord is wrapped around baby's neck,am i experiencing a risky pregnancy?
Answer Dear Syeda,
Babies move around almost continuously during the last half of the pregnancy. Nuchal cord (cord around the neck) is caused by movement of the fetus through a loop of cord. It is actually fairly common - one loop around the neck occurs in approximately 20% of pregnancies, and multiple loops occur in up to 5% of pregnancies.
Since you have another 17-18 weeks to go, it is very possible that the baby could twist back around the other way and the cord could un-entangle and NOT be wrapped around the neck about as fast as it got around it in the first place. If that happens - great. If it doesn't, MANY babies go to term and through labor/delivery with the cord around the neck. (The cord is longer than you'd think.) As long as there are no other issues to deal with, the doctor can just slip a finger under the cord and get it off the baby's neck as soon as his/her head is delivered. Rarely is it necessary for there to be any other type of medical intervention (like pre-term induction or C-section) due to this condition. Now that they are aware that a nuchal cord exists, they will watch closely to make sure that the baby is getting enough oxygen.
As to the fetal movements, as long as you continue to feel fetal movement throughout the day, you should not need to worry. Every now and again babies can have a sleepy day, just as we do. This can be based on previous activity, nutrient supply, or simply something you ingested in the 24 hours beforehand.
Kick counts are a very good way for moms to determine fetal well being. It often helps to try walking for 5-10 minutes, eating a snack, or drinking some juice and then go lie down on your left side to do the kick count. Usually these tricks will get your baby perked up. Mark down on a piece of paper every time you feel a movement. Ideally, your baby should move ten times in 2-4 hours. If that does not occur, it is then that I would suggest calling your OB doctor and letting him/her know the circumstances.
I hope this has helped you and answered your questions. I wish you well.
