23/02/2025
A change in movement can be a warning sign that your baby is unwell. It doesn't mean something is ALWAYS wrong. But by reporting all cases of change in movement we have the best chance of saving the babies at risk.
Of course there are people who had reduced movement and everything was fine. It doesn't mean everyone will have the same experience.
In 1982, the year before car seats became a legal requirement there were 2443 road deaths, by 2016 that was 816. Seatbelts saved lives. That didn't mean everyone that didn't wear a seatbelt died. I was born in 1980, I was driven around without a seatbelt. I'm still alive. Do you think I wear a seatbelt every time I get in the car? You bet I do!
Survivor Bias means there are a lot of people who did something and 'were fine' but those that weren't aren't here to comment.
If someone tells you their baby slowed down and they were fine, congratulate them and continue to report all your cases of reduced movement to your midwife or maternity unit.
Stillbirth rates have improved greatly over the last 100 years, but more babies are still stillborn than die from SIDS, Road deaths, meningitis, cancer and drowning COMBINED!
Please continue to raise awareness and report any change in your baby's movements, this could be a reduction, a rapid increase, a change in intensity or type of movements.
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