Kick Counting and Mindfetalness For Your Baby's Health
“How is your baby moving"?” is a common question moms are asked at prenatal appointments, especially in the 3rd trimester, but have you considered how important it is to pay attention to your baby’s movements?
In this blog we're going to explore a crucial aspect of the third trimester of pregnancy. It's a difficult but important topic to discuss. I'd like to introduce you to a special kind of mindfulness, referred to as mindfetalness by researcher Ingela Radistad and how it can being used to protect our little ones before birth.
The third trimester brings with it a flurry of anticipation, excitement, and lots of baby acrobatics. This is a time of profound connection between you and your little one, and being aware of these movements can deepen the bond you share.
Currently, there is no globally recommended protocol when comparing counting kicks Vs mindfulness. In plain English that means formal kick-counting nor promoting fetal movement awareness have been definitively proven to be effective in trials aiming to reduce stillbirths. When Dr Kirsten Small reviewed the most recent research comparing which approach was more effective, she found quite a surprising result (more on this later).
Understanding the Significance of Baby's Movements:
Your baby's movements in the third trimester are not just random kicks and flips; they are a language of their own, an expression of life developing within. Each gentle kick or subtle nudge carries with it a story of growth, health, and communication. It's your baby's way of saying, "I'm here, I'm thriving, and I'm connected to you."
Mindfetalness: A Gateway to a Mindful Pregnancy:
Mindfetalness is a practice that invites expectant moms to cultivate mindfulness by paying focused attention to their baby's movements for 15-20 mins each day. This technique, rooted in mindfulness and connection, encourages mothers to be fully present in the moment, tuning into the sensations of the baby's movements with a gentle, non-judgmental awareness. (These practices aren’t just relaxing for you they activate the oxytocin circuitry of the brain so both you and baby benefit from these shared chemical messengers).
From about 26-28 weeks experts recommend spending time daily, focusing on baby's movements as they provide valuable insights into your baby's well-being. It's like a secret language only the two of you share. Your baby will have a unique pattern of movements that only you experience.
How to Practice Mindfetalness?
A healthy baby should have a consistent pattern of movements. While it's normal for activity levels to vary, any sudden decrease in movement or a significant change in the pattern should be brought to your provider's attention immediately.
Women who have experienced stillbirth were less likely to be told by healthcare professionals to monitor fetal movements. It has also been noted that a single episode of unusually vigorous movement is also associated with stillbirth. This is, however, less common.
Research tells us that around half of all women who had a stillbirth noticed their baby’s movements had slowed down or stopped in the days before it occurred.
How to Practice Mindfetalness:
After dinner when you're relaxing we suggest lying down on your left side and play the Mindfetalness Meditation (coming soon to the GentleBirth App) and just settle in with your baby for about 15 minutes. Do this exercise when your baby is awake and you're relaxed - 90% of expectant moms report high activity in the late evenings.
Find a Quiet Space:
Choose a quiet, calm environment where you can lie down comfortably on your left side. Eliminate distractions and allow yourself to fully focus on the present moment connecting with your baby.
Breathe:
Take a few deep breaths to center and ground yourself. As you exhale, release any tension you may be holding. Let your breath become a soothing rhythm that connects you to your growing baby.
Direct Your Attention Inward:
Gently place your hands on your belly and bring your attention to the sensations of your baby's movements. Notice the patterns, the intensity, and the subtle nuances of each kick or roll.
Notice Without Judgment:
Embrace a mindset of curiosity and openness. Allow your baby's movements to unfold without judgment. This is a moment of connection, not evaluation. If you find your mind is wandering off simply return your attention to the sensation of your breath coming in and out of the body.
As you listen to the meditation notice the intensity of the movements.
Notice how your baby moves.
Notice how frequent baby moves
Can the movements be felt distinctly?
Are the movements of the same intensity as usual?
Is your baby moving as much as he/she usually does?
Do Baby’s Movements Slow Down Just Before Labor?
It's important to remember that fetal movements increase up until pregnancy week 32, after that the frequency of movements generally remains the same. Even in late pregnancy your baby should continue to have a similar pattern of movements you're already very familiar with. Sometimes women are told that it's normal for babies to get quiet at the end of pregnancy but you should still have a regular pattern of movement. Research tells us that around half of all women who had a stillbirth noticed their baby’s movements had slowed down or stopped in the days before it occurred. If you are concerned that there has been a change in your baby's patterns of movements please contact your provider.
Dangerous Advice
The advice to eat something sugary, wait longer or have an icy drink are not evidence-based and may delay getting help for your baby. Study findings indicate that this aspect of mindfulness helps bonding with our little ones before birth. Women stated that they felt relaxed, less worried and were creating a relationship with their unborn baby when practicing Mindfetalness.
Benefits of Mindful Pregnancy with Mindfetalness:
Decrease in induction of labor and cesareans. Enhanced bonding, reduced stress, improved emotional well-being, healthier stress response in your children. By practicing mindfulness, you can navigate the emotional rollercoaster of pregnancy and parenthood with greater ease, promoting physical and mental health.
As you navigate the last few weeks of the third trimester, let Mindfetalness and the GentleBirth App be your companion. Through this practice, you are not just an expectant mother; you are a mindful guardian, fostering love, connection, and wellbeing for both yourself and your precious baby.
***Per Dr. Small’s blog on the recent research - the evidence is limited however Mindfetalness was associated with decreased incidences of cesarean births and fewer babies born small-for-gestational-age (less inductions). Some of the studies did not significantly improve outcomes - this may be due to how reduced fetal movement is managed by staff and current technology (CTG/EFM monitoring) which has been shown to be unreliable. Check out my recent interview on CTG/Fetal monitoring with Dr. Small
Tracy
