Fetal seizures??

[stsuzy]

Hi everyone, I'm in my 29th week of pregnancy with a little girl and in the last few weeks have noticed some strange fetal movements from my girl. Atleast once or twice a day she seems to move her whole body with a shudder, and the best way to describe it is like a small seizure. It only lasts for a second or two. My ultrasound at 19 weeks showed nothing to be concerned about, but I do worry that it could be a neurological condition.

My next appointment at the hospital is next Tuesday (9th May) but just wanted to ask beforehand if anyone else has experienced the same sort of thing and what the outcome was? I'm going through a public hospital in Brisbane and being a bit cynical about the medical system I'm pretty sure they'll just brush me off saying that it's normal.

I'm not really sure what an explanation would be because she also has alot of normal feeling punching or sweeping movements aswell. I guess I'm just a little concerned cause I have no recollection of having movements like this with my son?

[Tam-I-Am]

Hey stsuzy,

Being pregnant can be so stressful can't it - every thing that the baby does can be cause for worry or concern. I know that fetal seizures are possible, but they are usually caused by congenital abnormalities - which would more than likely have been picked up on your ultrasound.

I also remember having that sensation, as though Claire was convulsing whilst she was inside - she is perfectly healthy and seizure free, BTW.

I think its basically two things - one - the baby's nervous system is immature and therefore, shakes and shudders are inevitable - it can't control its muscular movement, and two - there's a lot less space in your uterus than there was a couple of weeks ago - and they seem to like to test the boudaries of that!

I'd try not to be concerned, although that's near impossible for either a mum, or a mum-to-be! As for the medical profession just brushing you off - I know it can feel like you're just a number in public health sometimes, but the reality is, if there was something wrong with your baby and they didn't pick up on it - that would be grounds for a lawsuit. The medical profession will do EVERYTHING in its power to avoid a lawsuit. So if you are really and truely concerned about it, I would go to your next appointment and state how worried you are and that you want to have necessary tests done to rule out a neurological disorder - they will respond (It might not be the response you want, but they will respond!)

Good luck with it all :hugs: