The movement of the fetus hitting the uterine wall inside the uterus is called fetal movement. During pregnancy, the frequency and speed of fetal movement are related to the development of the baby. In general, fetal movements should be at least 3 times within an hour, and at least 30 times within 12 hours. Moreover, if the baby is more active, it may reach around 100 fetal movements. But what are the consequences of frequent fetal movements and even abdominal pain in late pregnancy?
When a pregnant mother discovers that the fetal movement is less than 20 times within 12 hours, or less than 3 times per hour, it indicates that the fetus is lacking oxygen and the life of the baby may be seriously threatened. In the early stages of hypoxia, the number of fetal movements increases, and due to hypoxia, the fetus becomes restless and agitated. When fetal hypoxia continues to worsen, fetal movement gradually weakens and the frequency decreases, which is a precursor to fetal danger.
If appropriate rescue measures are not taken at this time, the fetus may experience disappearance of fetal movement, even disappearance of fetal heart rate, cardiac arrest, and death. This process takes about 12-48 hours. Therefore, once a pregnant mother discovers abnormal fetal movement, she should not take it lightly and should immediately seek treatment in the obstetrics department. Timely treatment can often turn danger into safety.
If there is an expired pregnancy or placental aging, the ability to deliver oxygen and nutrients is reduced, resulting in fetal hypoxia or even hypoxia in the uterus, or if fetal hypoxia is caused by umbilical cord entanglement, knotting, twisting, etc., the fetus may experience intrauterine distress. In the early stages of hypoxia, fetal movement often increases, causing the fetus to become restless and uneasy due to hypoxia, and attempting to transmit this restlessness to the mother.
At this point, the pregnant mother feels that fetal movement is extremely active and even unbearable; When fetal intrauterine hypoxia continues to worsen, fetal movement gradually weakens and the frequency decreases, which is a "red light" signal of severe fetal hypoxia. If effective treatment (sufficient oxygen supply) is not received at this time, the fetus will lose fetal movement, heart sound, cardiac arrest, and death due to severe hypoxia. So, fetal movement is one of the signs of fetal safety. Generally speaking, it takes about 12-48 hours from the cessation of fetal movement to fetal death.
When a pregnant mother is seven months pregnant, fetal movement is the most frequent. And as the fetus continues to grow, the frequency of abdominal pain will significantly increase compared to before. Pregnant women can also count the number of fetal movements per hour. If it exceeds the normal range of fetal movements, pregnant women should pay more attention and continue to observe, or go to the hospital for routine examinations.
