As many of you are aware our little miracle Joel was born at 28 weeks, 12 weeks early. It hadn't been an easy pregnancy and although we were under consultancy care and had been told Joel was at increased risk of being born early, we never imagined he would be as early as he was. In fact, the problems that I had been having had stopped at 24 weeks.

I woke up having been asleep for only an hour on Thursday 30th October to find my waters had broken. Gary was at work, our two big boys asleep. I rang Gary, my Mum and an ambulance. 

I poked my tummy but try as I did, I could not get baby to move. We'd had several scares before this point so we did have a fetal Doppler at home (although I should say this was for my peace of mind and as CTK would say, should really only be used by professionals). As the Paramedic arrived, pleased that I was at least still standing, I used the Doppler and found a strong heartbeat. Everything was going to be ok.

Gary met me at the hospital where I was scanned and wired up to every monitor going. We spent several hours in delivery, but baby Hodgins number three thankfully decided to stay put. 

We were told we could be waiting days or weeks for baby to come, it would be impossible to tell. What was certain was that every day baby stayed inside, he would be that little bit stronger and the chances of a positive outcome greater.

Baby's heartbeat was monitored for hours over the next few days using a Doppler and through checking movement over a fixed time. Every time this was done I had to be on the machine for the maximum time in order to register enough movement.

With both my other boys I had registered enough kicks within ten minutes and was off. I knew something wasn't quite right.

When I woke up on the Sunday morning, baby H had changed position dramatically. All day I tried to explain to the midwives that I thought something was wrong. They heard baby on the Doppler and said everything was ok.

That evening after several visits from friends I asked to be monitored again. Whilst on Skype to Gary I registered my movements, all the time knowing as his mummy that something wasn't quite right. 

Eventually, after lots of discussions with midwives they called the Consultant. Sure enough, Joel was on his way feet first! He was delivered by grade 2 emergency cesarean at 12.53 am on Monday 3rd November at exactly 28 weeks.

If it hadn't been for the Count the Kicks Campaign, encouraging women to seek medical help for reduced movement and to know their own babies movement pattern, I would never have been as persistent as I was  about Joel's reduced movements. The outcome may not have been the same. 

We cannot thank Count the Kicks enough for their advice. We are doing this challenge as a way of saying thank you whilst at the same time hopefully raising awareness for this amazing charity. 

Please help us to reach our target and share their page to help raise awareness.

Gary, Vicky, Joshua, George and Joel xxxx

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