A 42-week pregnant patient expresses concern about not feeling the baby move for a few hours. The fetal heart rate is normal; what should the nurse communicate?

Reassuring the patient that movement patterns can vary is appropriate in this situation because it addresses her concerns while providing necessary information about fetal development. At 42 weeks of pregnancy, it is not uncommon for fetal movement to become less frequent as the fetus has less space to move in the uterus, particularly as it approaches term. Variability in movement does not inherently indicate a problem, especially since the fetal heart rate is normal, indicating that the baby is still healthy.

Providing reassurance helps alleviate anxiety for the mother, promoting emotional well-being while also acknowledging that she should continue to monitor her baby's activity. It is important for expectant mothers to understand that while monitoring fetal movements is crucial, variations in patterns can occur and may not always signify distress. This kind of reassurance can empower the patient to feel more in control of her pregnancy while still remaining vigilant about any significant changes in fetal behavior.