Feeling fetal movement is an excellent interactive activity for expectant mothers during pregnancy. Generally, we can clearly feel the regular movements of the fetus around April or May of pregnancy. Moreover, when we receive external stimuli such as talking to the fetus, the phenomenon of fetal movement will become more intense. However, due to the different growth conditions of the fetus, fetal movement may also have different phenomena.
What's wrong with less fetal movement at over six months of pregnancy
If there are less than 20 fetal movements within 12 hours, it is considered abnormal. Less than 10 times, it indicates that the fetus is at risk and there is hypoxia in the uterus. If the fetal movement exceeds the normal frequency within a period of time, with frequent fetal movement or uninterrupted restlessness, it is also a manifestation of intrauterine hypoxia. The significant decrease in fetal movement until it stops is a signal of severe fetal asphyxia in the uterus.
Abnormal fetal movement is caused by pathological conditions and functional disorders, such as tight umbilical cord around the neck, placental dysfunction, or abnormal medication and external stimuli in pregnant women, leading to fetal hypoxia in the uterus. When the life of the fetus is threatened, abnormal fetal movements occur not only in terms of frequency, but also in terms of nature, such as strong, continuous push and twist like fetal movements or kicking movements, or even weak fetal movements, which are all ominous signs. Abnormal fetal movement should be treated promptly.
After 28 weeks of pregnancy, fetal movement is mostly in the upper abdomen and rarely in the lower abdomen. If there is frequent fetal movement in the lower abdomen, it can be considered abnormal, indicating abnormal fetal position, mostly in the breech or transverse position, which can easily cause difficulty in delivery and should be treated promptly.
How to measure fetal movement
1. Measure the number of fetal movements during daily free time: Starting from the 28th week of pregnancy, pregnant women should find free time every day (recommended after dinner, as fetal movements are more frequent at this time), adopt a left lateral position, and record the time required for 10 fetal movements; If it is less than 120 minutes, it indicates that there is no abnormality in the number of fetal movements. However, if no fetal movements are felt, or if the required time for 10 fetal movements is greater than 2 hours, further examination by a physician should be sought as soon as possible.
2. Calculate the number of fetal movements within a fixed time frame: Expectant mothers measure fetal movements for one hour each in the morning, noon, and evening. If the average number of movements per hour is less than 3, it may indicate abnormalities.
3. Measuring fetal movements during the day: The simplest method is for expectant mothers to feel at ease by measuring 10 fetal movements during the day.
4. Daily random recording: There is no time limit every day, just record the fetal movement when you feel it. If the fetal movement is recorded at least 20 times a day for 12 hours, about 30 times indicates that the fetus is in good condition. If it is less than 10 times, it indicates fetal hypoxia and immediate medical attention is needed.
Pregnant women during pregnancy must pay attention and feel the fetal movement phenomenon. Generally speaking, the fetal movement is relatively stable, so pregnant women can feel whether the fetus is growing normally. Once the fetal movement pattern suddenly changes, attention should be paid, and the longer the duration, the greater the impact on the fetus.
