Fetal Movement & Nuchal Cord at 22 Weeks: What to Expect

Question
I am 22 weeks pregnant,now a days i am feeling strong pressurized fetal movements and my tummy gets harder when he moves,but around every 2 to 3 days the movements become very faint and rare making me worried.Is it normal to have such cycles?
Moreover my recent ultrasound showed that the cord is wrapped around baby's neck,am i experiencing a risky pregnancy?

Answer
Dear Syeda,

Babies move around almost continuously during the last half of the pregnancy. Nuchal cord (cord around the neck) is caused by movement of the fetus through a loop of cord. It is actually fairly common - one loop around the neck occurs in approximately 20% of pregnancies, and multiple loops occur in up to 5% of pregnancies.

Since you have another 17-18 weeks to go, it is very possible that the baby could twist back around the other way and the cord could un-entangle and NOT be wrapped around the neck about as fast as it got around it in the first place. If that happens - great. If it doesn't, MANY babies go to term and through labor/delivery with the cord around the neck. (The cord is longer than you'd think.) As long as there are no other issues to deal with, the doctor can just slip a finger under the cord and get it off the baby's neck as soon as his/her head is delivered. Rarely is it necessary for there to be any other type of medical intervention (like pre-term induction or C-section) due to this condition. Now that they are aware that a nuchal cord exists, they will watch closely to make sure that the baby is getting enough oxygen.

As to the fetal movements, as long as you continue to feel fetal movement throughout the day, you should not need to worry. Every now and again babies can have a sleepy day, just as we do. This can be based on previous activity, nutrient supply, or simply something you ingested in the 24 hours beforehand.

Kick counts are a very good way for moms to determine fetal well being. It often helps to try walking for 5-10 minutes, eating a snack, or drinking some juice and then go lie down on your left side to do the kick count. Usually these tricks will get your baby perked up. Mark down on a piece of paper every time you feel a movement. Ideally, your baby should move ten times in 2-4 hours. If that does not occur, it is then that I would suggest calling your OB doctor and letting him/her know the circumstances.

I hope this has helped you and answered your questions. I wish you well.

Brenda