What is the normal number of fetal movements?
Pregnancy is an anticipated and challenging journey for every expectant mother, and fetal movement is one of the most important indicators in this journey. Changes in the number of fetal movements can reflect the health status of the fetus. Therefore, with more and more pregnancies, the issue of the number of fetal movements has attracted more and more attention. So, how many fetal movements is considered normal?
What is fetal movement?
Before explaining whether the number of fetal movements is normal, we need to first understand what fetal movements are. Fetal movement refers to the activity of the fetus in the womb, which is mainly manifested by kicking, pushing, rolling and other movements. Starting around the 16th week of pregnancy, expectant mothers can feel fetal movements, and in the later stages of pregnancy, fetal movements will be more frequent and obvious. The pattern and frequency of fetal movements will vary depending on factors such as fetal size, maternal posture, and pregnancy stage.
Normal range of fetal movements
So, how many fetal movements is considered normal? According to statistics from the World Health Organization, under normal circumstances, the number of fetal movements is more than 10 times a day and more than 3 times an hour. Of course, this is only a conclusion based on scientific statistics. The specific fetal movement situation should also be considered based on the individual differences of the expectant mother, the stage of pregnancy, the number of fetuses of the pregnant woman and other factors.
The impact of pregnancy stages on the number of fetal movements
In the early stages of pregnancy, because the fetus is not fully developed yet, it can do relatively few activities. Therefore, between 16 and 32 weeks of pregnancy, the number of fetal movements is relatively small, generally about 10 times a day, 1 to 2 times an hour. In the later stages of pregnancy (after 32 weeks), as the size of the fetus gradually increases and the range of activities is limited, the number of fetal movements will decrease, generally maintaining at 6 to 8 times per day.
The impact of individual differences of expectant mothers on the number of fetal movements
Every expectant mother’s physical condition and physiological characteristics are different, so the number of fetal movements will also vary. For expectant mothers with multiple pregnancies, due to the increase in the number of fetuses, the number of fetal movements is relatively high. The average number of fetal movements per fetus needs to be more than 5 times per day. Expectant mothers who are healthy and have good weight control during pregnancy may feel fetal movements shorter and less frequent.
How to accurately count the number of fetal movements
In order to accurately count the number of fetal movements, expectant mothers should choose a quiet and relaxing environment and try to maintain the same position, such as lying on their back or lying on their left side. Counting the number of fetal movements can also be done through auxiliary tools such as counters, fetal movement charts, and fetal education instruments.
Summary
Fetal movement during pregnancy is a very important indicator of fetal health. Under normal circumstances, it occurs more than 10 times a day and more than 3 times an hour. However, the number of fetal movements is also related to factors such as the stage of pregnancy and individual differences among expectant mothers, and needs to be considered based on personal circumstances. Expectant mothers can make accurate statistics by choosing a quiet environment, the same posture, and using auxiliary tools. When expectant mothers find a lack of fetal movement or abnormal changes in fetal movement, they should consult a doctor promptly.And conduct necessary examinations to ensure the health and safety of the fetus.
