26Th Week Miscarriage/stillbirth??

Updated on August 28, 2008
V.J. asks from King George, VA
46 answers

has anyone experienced a late pregnancy miscarriage or stillbirth? I'm at the end of my 26th week and feel very little movement from the baby. It has been routine to have LOTS of movement in the morning when I wake up, about 11am and then before bedtime-so much that I can watch the baby moving from outside. Now what I'm feeling I'm not sure can't be passed off as the same feeling from gas-very low and VERY subtle-few and far between since yesterday morning. I'd have to say about 6 movements total in the last 24 hours. Has anyone experienced this? IF i have miscarried what advice to you give? Go ahead with inducing labor or just let it happen? Thanks

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So What Happened?

WE ARE OK!!! This being my 3rd child, I appreciated all the advice about seeing a doctor, the baby possibly having moved, doing kick counts, etc. It was just impossible for me to believe that after our "scheduled" daily routine, the baby just didnt move for over a day! I had done some research online and all I saw was that if the baby wasn't moving I'd already lost it and there was nothing I could do but let nature take it's course. I had already done everything you are "supposed" to do when your at this wondering stage, and nothing worked. I work a very stressful position, I'm divorced from my girls' dad-an alcoholic who still refuses to take responsibility for his actions, that I battle in court all the time and the new daddy thinks the baby was just feeling all my stress. I appreciate all your input and am amazed that we are doing just fine now!! Thanks
V.

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K.H.

answers from Norfolk on

I agree with everyone on the calling the doctor part. I know I did when I felt little movement from my son in my last pregnancy. They had me drink some orange juice and then lie on my side and do kick counts. I don't remember how many kicks I was supposed to feel in a certain amount of time so call the doctor and find out. I hope everything is alright. Keep us posted.

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L.C.

answers from Washington DC on

I hope you called the doctor. A friend of mine had the same thing, finally went to the emergency room. They rushed her to the the ER and got the baby out(he was all tangeled in the cord)They said if she would've waited till next day he would've been dead. He was 10 weeks early and now is a healthy 2 year old. Hope all is well.

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L.T.

answers from Lynchburg on

If you think there could be a problem you need to get on the phone to your doctor and schedule an ultrasound for today. It hasn't been too long since I was pregnant (5 months), and I believe the rule of thumb was that you should be able to feel 10 movements in 2 hours. You have to plan to feel these movements - lay down on your side, relax, have some food and water nearby so you don't have to get up. Don't watch TV, because it may distract you. Do this before you go in for the ultrasound so you can tell your doctor how many movements you felt laying on your side for 2 hours. Good luck!

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F.B.

answers from Charlottesville on

First...call your doctor or go in immediately, if the movement has gone down that much, they'll want to check you soon. On a more positive note (until delivery that is) my son did the same thing, he almost wasn't moving at all and it started around 28 wks for me I think. I went in and the doctor kept me in the hospital for a couple of days. First, drink some oj and eat a cookie or 2, the sugar will give the baby energy, then if there is going to be movement, it will happen, that's what they did for me. Then they told me that he wasn't moving because he was so big and I was so small, he was born 8 lb, 10oz, which for my frame was big. As long as I felt some movement every 24hrs, even if I had to induce it with oj and a cookie, they felt the baby was fine. He's now 3 and a perfect little boy, though very tall!! Good luck and I'll say a prayer for you and your family.

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H.G.

answers from New York on

Please go to the doctor right now!

L.M.

answers from Dover on

CALL YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY!!!!!!!! I say that not to scare you (because you could be fine) but because it is better to be safe than sorry. I would suggest that you call the doctor now and get his/her trained medical advice and follow it. Make sure you are drinking lots of fluids too.

If you have miscarried, I am so sorry for your loss. Again, I would follow you doctor's advice...I know someone they made wait for it to happen and it was very tramatic...nothing happened for a few weeks.

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R.A.

answers from Norfolk on

I miscarried our third baby at 20 weeks, but I had just begun to feel movement. Then, with our 4th child, I hardly felt her move at all and she was fine. My daughter miscarried at 36 weeks. She noticed that she hadn't felt the baby move either, after it having been rather active. GET TO THE DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY!!!

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N.L.

answers from Washington DC on

I hope you've seen your doctor by now!

That said, I had a very large baby (a +10 pounder!) and during most of the third trimester I didn't feel much movement. I think she was sooo cramped in there that she simply couldn't move much. All of that "I have an alien in me trying to get out" acrobatics that occurred earlier simply stopped. I would still feel her move, but not nearly as much. She just didn't have the room anymore.

Again, I hope you've already seen the doctor and pray that all is well.

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L.M.

answers from Washington DC on

If you have any questions as to the wellbeing of your baby- call your doctor right away!!!! They should get you in the same day, and possibly do an ultrasound. If they don't, you need a new doctor. It is better to come across as paranoid, and catch things early (if there is a "thing"- my last baby went through periods of inactivity.)This is one of those times when mother's intuition is stronger than what your doctor might think of you.

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K.H.

answers from Washington DC on

V.

It's completely normal for babies movements to change routine at different stages of pregnancy , I went through the same in my first pregnancy at 25 weeks where I could no longer feel any movement at all , I contacted my Dr who gave me an ultrasound & turns out he was fine , even when I could see him moving on the monitor I still couldn't feel him & the reason was because of the posistion he was in at the time he was cushioned by alot of fluid , a few days later he changed posistion and I started to feel him again.

I think you should contact your Dr to be checked & put your mind at rest rather than wait until your next appointment and worry yourself sick that the worst has happened.

All the best

K. H

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M.M.

answers from Washington DC on

Go to your doctor's office!

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K.K.

answers from Washington DC on

My advice to you is to call your doctor. It could be that the baby has changed positions, but your doctor can check that out for you with a quick sonogram. I had a late miscarriage and I opted to be induced. I hope that everything's ok.

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T.C.

answers from Norfolk on

I haven't experienced a miscarriage at that stage, but I did have a placental abruption which the docs first thought was a miscarriage. If you haven't had any other symptoms (like bleeding) - don't stress yourself out too much. Definitely just make an appointment with your doc to check things out before making other decisions. The stress of over-thinking the situation could cause other issues so make the appointment for as soon as possible to set your mind at ease.

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J.C.

answers from Washington DC on

I would call your OB asap. Your baby may have just changed up his or her sleep schedule, but having a doctor evaluate the situation will stop you from having to guess and worry. Best wishes.

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M.H.

answers from Washington DC on

I had the same thing one day right around 26 weeks or so while pregnant with my daughter. She was quite a mover and then for a day she barely moved. By the next morning I was scared to death so I called the dr. They said to drink a big glass of oj or some other high sugar drink and lay on my side. If I hadnt felt 10 kicks in an hour after I was supposed to call back. I didnt feel 10 kicks, I dont think I felt 1. I called and they had me come in for an ultrasound. She was perfectly fine! She was just slow that day. The dr. said that babies are like people and sometimes they have a tired day. But she said she was glad I called and came in to ease my mind. I am sure everything is fine but never hurts to go in and have it checked so you can relax.

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A.D.

answers from Washington DC on

Go to your doctor or the emergency room NOW!

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J.C.

answers from Washington DC on

Call/go-to your doctor NOW!

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T.H.

answers from Norfolk on

First of all.... go to the doctor!!!! I can't imagine the terrible thoughts in your head worrying if your baby is ok. That being said, I wish I could say don't worry, everything will be fine, but I would be halfhearted. I just lost a little girl in my second trimester last June 2007. I never got to feel her, it was my first pregnancy. I went to the doctor just as happy as can be and the nurse couldn't find the heartbeat with the monitor. I joked saying she was hiding. She wasn't.

I have never had a natural miscarrige, I was induced. I would say you should get induced if that is the case. Your baby is going to be larger than you think (about the size of a yellow squash) and trust me when I say it wont be easy, as well as dangerous to try to just let it happen!!

Keep us posted on what happens. I think its a little early to be worried that there is something wrong. You are still early and maybe her movements are just so little you are not noticing them as you move around throughout the day. Don't freak out so early, and again... GO TO THE DOCTOR if you are worried!!! Stress can hurt your baby and you have got to be worried sick!

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S.S.

answers from Washington DC on

V., I had the same issue with my first pregnancy, but it was at 22 weeks. Even if you are not having any other symptoms of childbirth (e.g. water breaking, cramps, etc.), I would suggest going to your doctor to get checked out. They will do an ultrasound to determine what's happening. My water broke and after being hospitalized for 4 weeks, I had my son at 26 weeks. For those who don't believe in miracles, I see one everyday that the Lord brings me. My 7 year old son is a perfectly healthy little boy. He had some problems early on and he needs some additional help with reading, but other than that - he plays softball, soccer, rides bikes - everything that little 7 year boys do. So - I say all of this V. to say, stay calm, go to your doctor and pray. PRAYER WORKS!!

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J.B.

answers from Washington DC on

Go to your doctor right now. It may be something the Dr. can do something about, but not if you wait too long. I'm serious... go now. If your Dr. isn't available, go to the ER. You and your Dr. can discuss what to do from this point on, but you absolutely have to get to the doctor. Good luck.

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H.S.

answers from Washington DC on

V.,
At this point don't assume you've miscarried. There are times during pregnancy that babies don't move as much.
Laying on your left side, drinking juice, eating something with sugar can help move them around.

ANYTIME you have decreased fetal movement is is EXTREMELY important that you call your OB/GYN office right away. They can put you on a NST machine which will monitor contractions as well as the fetal movement/heart rate.

I suggest calling your doctor right away or head to Labor and Delivery if it is after hours at your Dr's office.

This is something I deal with daily as I work in an OB/GYN office and it isn't something to take lightly. But I wouldn't put yourself through knowing you've miscarried when chances are you have not. The rule of thumb is to keep track of kick counts.

Hope this helps.
H.~

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N.O.

answers from Norfolk on

I remember the bigger I got the less movement there was. Mostly b/c she ran out of room. BUT, with that said, call your doctor EVERY TIME you have a concern. You won't be bugging them. That's what they're there for!

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S.B.

answers from Norfolk on

you are clearly worried so call your doctor's office immediately.

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L.P.

answers from Washington DC on

Hi V.,
Sometimes it is quite normal for the baby to have a day or two when it doesn't seem so active so try not to worry too much, but do call the doctor and get everything checked just to be on the safe side.
God bless,
L. P

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S.H.

answers from Washington DC on

I have not personally experienced this but my mother-in-law works with someone who has. Call your doctor! If something is wrong they need to know about it ... If everything is okay, you'll feel much better - which is also better for the baby:) It's worth having the peace of mind. I'll be praying for you.

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L.L.

answers from Dover on

I agree with the last post...get to the doctor immediately!!!! Your OB/GYN will fit you in ASAP if you tell them what's going on!
My babies were both on the large end of the scale, and I also felt decreased movement as my pregnancies progressed. My doctor said that they were just running out of room in there :)
Don't take any chances...see your doctor right away.

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L.T.

answers from Danville on

My suggestion is to see the doctor as soon as possible. If it is a miscarriage turn to your family and friends that is what I did when I lost my second child. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

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A.G.

answers from Washington DC on

Low movement is a reason to be worried. But please don't jump to conclusions. There is no reason to think that this is a miscarriage yet - keep those dark worries at bay, but please call your DR so that they can check up and relieve your worries. There are tons of reasons to feel less movement. At 26 weeks your little one could be growing through a growth spurt with lots of sleep or he could simply be up when you are too asleep to feel it. He could also have moved so he's facing your back. I could feel a lot less when my little ones where doing that - no flailing arms and legs. Also you could have some condition restricing his or her movement - again call the DR immediately because your baby may be well but in need of help.

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S.K.

answers from New York on

I would say contact your doc, but don't freak out.

My current pregnancy was the same thing, the child was an acrobat untilabout 26 weeks, then she slept and hardly moved until about 30 week and then she started back up with the acrobatics.

L.C.

answers from Washington DC on

Sometimes they run out of space in there.
I'd see the doctor ASAP!

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C.K.

answers from Washington DC on

Hi V.,

I carried twins and did not always feel movement. Most expectant moms fear the worst before the get checked out. Call your doctor or better yet, go see him/her.

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D.B.

answers from Washington DC on

In my experience, the later in my pregnancy, the less my two children moved. If you are truly concerned that there may be a problem with your baby then you need to see a doctor right away. If it turns out to be that the baby's just plain running out of room, at least you have the peace of mind knowing there's nothing wrong. Good Luck!!

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K.F.

answers from Washington DC on

Have you called your doctor? Most doctors will have you go in for an ultrasound if you feel reduced movement?

Or some things you can try at home - drink ice cold water or orange juice & then lay on your left side. Most people I know that have experienced reduced movement will try that & the baby generally starts moving around within the hour.

I'm sorry I don't have any personal experience.

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C.P.

answers from Danville on

There was a big difference in movement in both my pregnancies once I hit the halfway point... I think they ran out of room! My son kept his bottom out instead of his feet, so I rarely felt movement with him. If you don't have any other signs of miscarriage, I wouldn't panic, but I always err on the side of caution and would suggest seeing your doctor if you're concerned.

As far as your question with inducing vs. letting it happen, that's a personal decision based on each situation, and most doctors give what they believe to be the best advice for those individual situations. I have a friend who miscarried twice, and one she let happen naturally, while the other needed to be induced.

Good luck, and I pray everything is just fine.

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L.P.

answers from Washington DC on

My most recent baby is 5 months old and I remember that there were times/days that I would experience decreased movement from the baby. The baby is doing lots and lots of growing right now and need rest time too. I remember being concerned just like you but just as soon as I would tell someone he would become just as active as before. If you are truly worried you should call your OB provider. Also, I am sure you are busy and up and around a lot and during those time it is hard to feel the baby move. Take a break for about an hour and just rest, put your feet up and drink a glass of orange juice. Usually sugar will get them going.
Good luck!

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T.W.

answers from Norfolk on

I think you need to see your OB sooner than two weeks and be evaluated.

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J.C.

answers from Washington DC on

I had a stillbirth when I was 40 weeks, 2 days. If you feel that there is a lack of movement or change in your baby's normal movement patterns, definitely call the doctor and get checked out. Also, miscarriages are only for less than 20 weeks, if you're past 20 weeks and the baby passes it's a stillbirth.

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K.C.

answers from Washington DC on

Oh my gosh V. I am literally in tears for you. GO TO THE DOCTOR RIGHT NOW. I experienced this at 34 weeks. I hadn't felt my son moving quite normal for an entire day. He had passed the day before. My OB told me the movement I was feeling was just his body reacting to my movement. At 26 weeks you will have to give birth and it is the hardest most heart wrenching thing to go through. I will pray for you and your family. Please keep us posted. I am so sorry for you.

K. - SAHM of 2 boys, 5 and 2 with one Angel in Heaven

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J.Z.

answers from Washington DC on

V.,

I haven't experienced a miscarriage at 26 weeks but I have earlier in the pregnancy. With my 4th and 5th children I had very little movement the entire pregnancy with both. If you haven't already contacted the doctor, I would ASAP so an ultrasound can be done and heart rate check. I pray that everything will be alright. I know it will be hard, but try to stay calm (if possible).

J. Z.
Independent Shaklee Distributor
www.shaklee.net/Z.
Now offering Paraben Free Products

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D.S.

answers from Washington DC on

Go see your DR! He/she can check on the baby's heart rate and then reasure you that all is fine! Don't think about induction. Trust your body! It knows what to do!

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A.W.

answers from Washington DC on

I agree with the other posts - get to the Dr. Don't stress until you know if there is anything to worry about. All babies are different.

Definitely drink lots of water - I had low fluid in one of my pregnancies and it caused decreased movement. Pre-eclampsia can cause it as well - both of which can be handled if they are caught early.

I did have a miscarriage at 16 weeks but it was still too early to have felt movement. I ended up being induced and delivering the baby because that was the right decision for me. We all do what we need to do. If that is truly the case then you need to figure out what would be best for you. Having the baby and a funeral was closure for me and that was what I needed to move on.

I am sure that the baby is just a little tired. Try the juice suggestion in an earlier post and definitely call the doctor.

Good luck!

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M.C.

answers from Washington DC on

Hi V.,
I wouldn't panic and don't assume the worst. If you've felt movement then the baby is still moving around, things are most probably fine, it just changed position and the feet are not near the belly where the movement would be noticable.
I would go to the dr. this morning and just get checked. If needed ask for an ultrasound. If your dr. can't get you in, go to the hospital birthing center. They should be able to give you a checkover too.
Let us know what happens.
M.

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C.H.

answers from Washington DC on

call your doctor. it is possible that everything is ok but you need to go in and be seen.

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P.S.

answers from Washington DC on

Run to the doctor immediately, he will check if your baby is ok on the ultrasound. It can be the baby gets too little oxigen cos your uterus is in tonus. If you give birth to a baby at 26 weeks her chances to survive and be healthy afterwords are not good. So, don't waste time.

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K.C.

answers from Washington DC on

Call your doctor right away. Tell him/her your concerns. Get in there and get a sonogram now so you can know and stop wondering. Think positively. Hang in there!

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S.M.

answers from Washington DC on

CALL THE DOCTOR.

Movements decline later in pregnancy because the baby runs out of space in there, so it is likely fine. Even if the baby is in distress, it doesn't mean you have had a miscarriage - the doctor could help you!!

But for heavens sake, the doctor will want to see you to be sure - this is the reason the doctor is there. Why give yourself all this anxiety> Call now, and if the office is closed, PAGE the nurse/doctor. Or go to the ER or URGENT CARE office.

THe doctor will proablbly send you to the hospital to be on a monitor and hear the heartbeat. Many of us go throught this, especially with a first baby - it is hard to know what is normal. I went to the hospital twice with my first pregnancy because I hadn't felt the baby in a few hours.

They will also instruct you on doing kick counts to releive your exniety.

Don't be embarressed to call - this is what they are there for!

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