Fetal movement is an indicator of your baby\’s health. The average number of normal fetal movements per day increases from 200 at 24 weeks of pregnancy to 575 at 32 weeks of pregnancy. Fetal movement feels great.
Each fetus has its own biological clock, and the number of fetal movements varies day and night. Generally, activity is the least in the morning and gradually increases after noon. Fetal movement is active from 6pm to 10pm. Most fetuses move more frequently after the mother is full, because the blood sugar level in the mother\’s body increases at this time. The baby is \”full\” and has strength, and begins to stretch its fists and legs. Moreover, when the expectant mother is hungry, the blood sugar level in her body drops, and the baby will be more honest when she is bored. This is also a self-protective behavior of the fetus.
What are the types of fetal movements:
1. Whole body movement: movement of the entire trunk, such as turning over. This kind of action is relatively intense and the duration of each action is relatively long, usually 3-30 seconds.
2. Physical exercise: Stretch your arms, twist your body, etc. The duration of each action is generally 1-15 seconds.
3. Lower limb movement: This is the kicking movement of the baby that we often feel. This action is fast and relatively weak. The duration of each fetal movement is generally less than 1 second.
4. Chest wall movement: It is relatively short and weak, and it is not easy for the mother to feel it. Use extreme caution when fetal movement patterns change.
How pregnant mothers can monitor fetal movement at home:
To monitor fetal movement at home, you must first have a certain understanding of fetal movement. Each fetus has a different amount of activity, some are active and some are quiet. Different pregnant mothers may feel fetal movement at different times. However, their activities in the womb have their own patterns and normal ranges. Careful pregnant mothers will understand the baby\’s movement patterns after a period of time.
1. Find free time every day to measure the number of fetal movements: Starting from the 28th week of pregnancy, pregnant women should find free time every day (it is recommended after dinner, because fetal movements are more frequent at this time), lie on the left side, and record the required 10 fetal movements. time; if it is less than 120 minutes, it means that the number of fetal movements is normal, but if no fetal movement is felt, or the time required for 10 fetal movements exceeds 2 hours, you should seek medical treatment as soon as possible for further examination.
2. Calculate the number of fetal movements within a fixed period of time: Pregnant mothers measure fetal movements for one hour each morning, noon and evening. If the average is less than 3 times per hour, it may not be normal.
3. Measure the number of fetal movements during the day: The simplest method is to measure 10 fetal movements during the day, and you will have peace of mind.
In order to measure fetal movement more conveniently, you can purchase a simple fetal heart rate meter for auxiliary measurement.
When the placenta is insufficient or the fetus has certain diseases, fetal movements are often reduced. Before fetal death caused by some chronic diseases, fetal movement often gradually decreases or disappears for several days, and then the fetal heart sound disappears, which is considered fetal death. For severe intrauterineFetuses that are hypoxic and whose fetal movements are reduced or disappear require immediate rescue. Sometimes, violent fetal movements can also indicate intrauterine hypoxia, which can be seen in placental abruption or umbilical cord compression. If not treated in time, fetal movements will disappear and fetal death may occur.
Therefore, once you find abnormal fetal movement, you should go to the hospital immediately. The doctor will analyze and judge the condition of the fetus based on the results of various examinations, and propose specific treatment measures to ensure the safety of the mother and baby.
Abnormal fetal movements and countermeasures
1. Reduced fetal movement.
Cause: hypoglycemia, fever of expectant mother
Countermeasures: Pay attention to rest, change clothes according to the temperature to avoid catching cold; try to avoid going to crowded places; frequently open windows for ventilation, maintain indoor air circulation, and exercise appropriately; drink more water and eat more fresh vegetables and fruits.
2. Fetal movement suddenly intensifies and then gradually weakens.
Reasons: Fetal hypoxia, external stimulation, high blood pressure in pregnant mothers, external noise stimulation
Countermeasures: Expectant mothers with gestational hypertension should go to the hospital for regular check-ups, and pay attention to rest and avoid overexertion; whether walking or riding in a car, try to keep a distance from others, do not enter a noisy environment, and prevent external collision and stimulation; stay well mentality, relax and control emotions.
3. Rapid fetal movement followed by sudden stop.
Cause: Umbilical cord wrapped around neck
Countermeasures: Once abnormal fetal movement occurs, you should seek medical treatment immediately; in the third trimester of pregnancy, count fetal movements every day. If you feel uncomfortable, go to the hospital for examination immediately.