Pregnancy
By: Natalie Greene
Trigger warning: Pregnancy loss, stillbirth
Stillbirth—just the word can send shivers down any expectant mother’s spine. Many of us dismiss the thought, believing it’s something that only happens in the past or to moms with serious health issues. I admit, I was one of those who thought, “That could never happen to me.” But then it did.
I had a perfectly normal pregnancy; I was 36 weeks along, eagerly awaiting my new arrival, and had three healthy children already. Everything was going smoothly until one night, I noticed an unsettling lack of movement. As I soaked in a warm bath with a book resting on my belly, my little one didn’t respond with her usual kicks.
“Oh, she’s just sleeping,” I was told, or “Babies move less near the end.” Well-meaning, yet outdated advice from friends and family flooded in. Unfortunately, the worst news came from my doctor: my baby no longer had a heartbeat.
In the U.S., stillbirth occurs in about 1 in 160 pregnancies, which translates to a staggering 24,000 babies each year. To put that in perspective, the number of stillbirths is ten times higher than sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), a topic every new mother is well-versed in thanks to campaigns like “Back to Sleep.” Education is power, and understanding the risks could empower parents to safeguard their babies’ lives.
Stillbirth remains a taboo subject, surrounded by silence and stigma, which only alienates grieving parents and hampers research. But there’s hope! Pregnant women can take an active role in monitoring their babies’ well-being through a simple yet effective method: counting kicks.
In Iowa, a group of mothers who have experienced loss initiated the “Count the Kicks” campaign. The idea is straightforward: set aside a specific time each day to connect with your baby and count their movements, using their handy app to keep track. Starting at 28 weeks, if you notice any changes in your baby’s activity, reach out to your healthcare provider right away. Don’t hesitate to speak up—better safe than sorry!
Since the campaign launched, Iowa has seen a 26% drop in stillbirth rates, transforming from the thirty-third worst state for stillbirths to the third best. That’s an incredible achievement!
I totally get it; finding time to count kicks can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already juggling the demands of pregnancy and parenthood. But why count? Because it literally could save your baby’s life.
Unfortunately, many women aren’t informed about stillbirth risks because some healthcare providers worry about scaring them. This attitude suggests that women can’t handle crucial information that could protect their babies. It’s time for us to demand better care and knowledge about our pregnancies.
Let’s talk about stillbirth, educate ourselves, and count those kicks. And if you’re interested in learning more about home insemination, check out this excellent resource!
In summary, understanding your baby’s movements could make all the difference. Start counting kicks, speak out about stillbirth, and educate those around you. Your baby’s life may depend on it.