Concerns are common throughout pregnancy. Hormones are produced on a large scale and the body begins to behave differently. The emotional factor also affects you in many ways, in addition to all the restlessness and excitement of people around the pregnant woman. All of this can cause tension and bring some issues to the surface. One that brings about fear and anxiety is: the baby stopped moving in the womb.
First, we need to say that it is not normal for the baby not to move. What is natural is that the baby moves and starts kicking around the 5th month of pregnancy1. These movements intensify as the weeks go by and, contrary to popular myth, do not stop near delivery. It is true that after the baby drops into the pelvis, the baby’s movements become more restricted, but this does not make them stop moving inside the womb.
It is important to remember that although most mothers start to feel the baby move around the 20th week of pregnancy, in some cases it may take a little longer. This is common and there’s nothing to worry about, unless a lot of time passes and you can’t feel the baby moving at all. In that situation, it is recommended to see a doctor to investigate possible issues.
Possible Causes for a Baby to Stop Moving in the Womb
The lack of movement in a baby can have several causes. That’s why the reason can only be identified if you see a doctor for the appropriate tests. The mother can consider some factors and help with the diagnosis. The main causes for a baby to stop moving in the womb are:
- Lack of nutrients and oxygen
- Placental insufficiency
- Stress
- Problems with sleep
Each of these causes affects the baby in a different way and can be more or less easily resolved. Therefore, it’s necessary to investigate each one to be sure what is causing the loss of movement of the baby in the womb.
Lack of Nutrients and Oxygen
If your baby stopped moving in the womb, it could be a sign that they’re not getting enough nutrients or oxygen through the placenta. To solve this problem, it’s crucial to consult a doctor to investigate why these nutrients or oxygen aren’t reaching the baby properly, and to determine what steps to take.
Dehydration or fasting can also make the baby move less, so eating and drinking properly is important to ensure your baby’s health during pregnancy. Fetal movements should be noticeable especially after the mother eats. If, after eating, you notice the baby did not move, it is important to seek medical attention as that is the time when babies usually move the most.
Placental Insufficiency
When the placenta does not develop as expected it can affect the pregnancy2, as it is through it that all the nutrients and oxygen mentioned above reach the baby. Therefore, if you notice the baby has stopped moving in the womb, it’s important to see a doctor so that they can run tests and give a diagnosis.
In more severe cases, and when it is proven the pregnancy cannot continue, labor induction is an option to save the baby’s life.
Stress
During pregnancy, everything that affects the mother positively or negatively can also affect the baby, including stress. Therefore, the emotional and physical state of the mother is decisive in the baby’s behavior3, as the hormones released during stressful periods can make the baby move less.
Problems with Sleep
Babies sleep inside the mother’s womb and, while sleeping, it is normal for them not to move. Many mothers get worried about the lack of movement during this period, which usually lasts between 20 and 40 minutes, but it is actually normal. That is, if your baby stops moving in the womb only for this length of time, there’s no reason to worry.
However, if the baby is having trouble sleeping or is prevented from sleeping for any reason, they could remain still for longer periods, which understandably worries many mothers. In any case, it is recommended to see a doctor and check the situation.
What to Do When the Baby Stops Moving in the Womb?
Many people say that eating something sweet helps stimulate the baby to move, which can be true in some cases, but it doesn’t always work, as it serves more to wake the baby up and feed them than to solve the specific problems mentioned here.
The recommendation is always to see a doctor so that the problem can be thoroughly investigated and the right measures taken. When a mother says “my baby stopped moving in my belly“, the reaction of those around her is often panic. Problems during pregnancy can greatly affect mothers, fathers, and the whole family.
However, it’s always important to remember that stress is one of the factors that can cause this loss or reduction in movement. For this reason, it is essential to stay calm and seek professional help so that the cause may be identified and resolved as quickly as possible.
My experience: During my second pregnancy I had to go to the maternity hospital. The baby had not moved for some hours and it really scared me. Then, I was sent for cardiotocography, a test where monitors are placed on your belly to check the baby’s heartbeat and the frequency of possible contractions. I stayed on that machine for about 20 minutes and, in the end, everything was fine. The nurse came close to me with a horn (yes, an actual horn) and pressed it twice. The baby suddenly jumped! She said: he was just sleeping a lot, mommy. So I left much calmer, but feeling sorry for my baby, for the scare.
