Frequently Asked Questions

Have you any information for women with the placenta at the front?
The newly published RCOG Guidelines on Reduced Fetal Movements cites some research which suggests that if the placenta is at the front it may be up to 28 weeks before movements are felt.

See http://www.rcog.org.uk/womens-health/clinical-guidance/reduced-fetal-movements-green-top-57 for more information.

Do you know if having a 4d scan can endanger my baby?
You may find it reassuring to ask your consultant or midwife for a scan for reassurance. 4D scans are safe in pregnancy and often used to produce keepsake photos and videos but you should always insist on a proper growth scan to check size, amniotic fluid and blood flow through the cord to ensure the baby is healthy before doing keepsake images for bonding purposes.

See http://www.innermostsecrets.com/Left-Menu-Items/Pregnancy/Pregnancy-Scans/Wellbeing-Scans.aspx for more information about Wellbeing Scans.

I’m hoping to have a home birth could you give me some advice?

We at COUNT THE KICKS™ believe in making informed choices. Learning about the risks you could face with a home birth will give you the best chance of having a good birth experience. Here are some questions you should ask yourself to help you decide if a home birth is the safest option for you:

How long will it take to get to your maternity ward in an emergency?

 If your baby or you became distressed or urgently needed assistance during a home birth and needed to get to hosptital quickly, how long will it take to get an ambulance to you, then you to the hospital, then to the ward?

Have you attended any antenatal classes to help you prepare and know what to expect?

We at COUNT THE KICKS™ work closely with LAZY DAISY BIRTHING who run brilliant birth preparation classes packed with information to help you prepare.

Do your community Midwives have the staff to be able to assure you of the best support?

In the UK every home birth must be attended by 2 qualified midwives.

Do you have a supportive birth partner?

Perhaps using a Doula or an Independant Midwive will help, support and reassure you for a home birth.

Is your baby in the best position to guarentee a complication free birth?

There is no guarentee you will not experience complications during your labor or birth, however knowing your baby’s position will help you decide if a home birth is the safest option for you. By having a private presentation scan you will know exactly what position your baby is in, if the scan shows your baby is breech for instance it would be advised not to have a home birth, however knowing your baby is in the perfect head down position will give you reassurance that a home birth could be a great option for you.