Over half of all women who had a stillbirth noticed that their baby’s movements had slowed down or stopped, so we know that it is an important indicator. But any change to what is usual for your baby should be noted and this can be an increase or decrease in movement. If you feel any change to your baby’s movements, contact your maternity care professional immediately. This is Emmi’s Story.
Thanks to you, the Red Nose team have been busy making sure parents like me, have access to the very latest, research-backed information when welcoming a new baby into the world.
Their expert information about decreased movements during pregnancy helped me notice early signs in my pregnancy. This information helped save my baby, Anna Susan.
Critical Advice
After a long journey through infertility, my husband Steven and I were blessed to finally fall pregnant.
At about 8 weeks, we had our first scan. I’ll never forget hearing our fertility specialist say the words “this is your baby!” We were absolutely over the moon and so excited for our future.
To make sure we were both as prepared as possible, my midwife, Lisa, shared information from Red Nose about paying attention to any decreased movements. And the importance of side sleeping from 28 weeks to prevent stillbirth.
As a first-time mum, these were things I hadn’t thought about. It was this information from Lisa and Red Nose that saved mine, and my baby’s life!
With new research emerging all the time and a lot of misinformation online, it can be truly hard for you to know who to trust for information on how to keep babies safe.
It’s thanks to your support, that Red Nose is able to help educate thousands of new parents and carers. As Australia’s leading authority, Red Nose is a trusted source we can all rely on.
Noticing Changes and Taking Action
At 36.5 weeks, I noticed some changes in my baby’s movements. We were worried, so we decided to go to the Maternity Assessment Day Ward (MADU) as a precaution.
A lovely midwife checked over everything before confirming my baby was alive and moving. We were so relieved!
But my blood pressure was extremely high, and they had to do some tests. I was taken to another room and a doctor came in soon after saying “What do you know about Pre-eclampsia?”
I said, “Oh I think you just have to stay in bed and rest,” to which he replied “Oh no. You’re going to be having your baby very soon”. I was set up with monitors, recording every time I felt a movement by pressing a button.
Thankfully, just two days later, at 2.25am on the 6th of June 2021, I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl named Anna Susan.
Red Nose’s Research-backed Information and Resources
Today, Anna Susan is a bright and happy 2-year-old and is thriving. I thank my lucky stars we have her.
I hate to think about what would have happened if I didn’t have that lifesaving information from Red Nose when I needed it.
That’s why Red Nose resources are vital, particularly for first-time parents, when things can feel especially overwhelming.
Access to accurate education is so important throughout pregnancy. I would urge every expectant parent to seek information and be informed on the brilliant resources supplied by Red Nose.
Thank you for helping Red Nose continue to deliver expert information to new and expecting parents - it could save a baby’s life!
If you have any questions about Safer Pregnancy or Safe Sleep, you can call 1300 998 698 (during business hours AEST), or email education@rednose.org.au.
Click here to access Red Nose’s Safer Pregnancy Resources. Or if you’d like to learn about Safe Sleep practices, click here for the Safe Sleep Advice Hub. There is also expert information and advice from pre-pregnancy to five years of age.