During pregnancy, one of the important signs of checking the health of the fetus is the movement or movement of the baby. The movement of the baby in the womb is something that the mother can observe. But sometimes, the change in movement can be a warning sign indicating a health problem of the baby or pregnancy that needs to be monitored. Today, let’s study together about what kind of baby movement is dangerous.
Why does the fetus move?
Fetal movements are a natural part of the development of the muscles and nervous system. Fetal movements are a sign of growth and good health. Babies start to move at different times depending on each person. Fetal movements can be explained by several factors, as follows:
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Muscular and nervous system development
During the early stages of pregnancy, the fetus begins to develop its muscles and nervous system. The baby’s movements are part of this process. The baby will start with small movements such as stretching the arms and legs, turning the body, or changing position. Practicing these movements will help the baby’s muscles and nervous system develop better.
A fetus can sense and respond to stimuli in its external environment, such as sound, light, and the mother’s touch. When the mother talks to or touches her belly, the baby may respond by squirming to express feelings or respond to those stimuli.
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Finding a comfortable posture
The uterus is a confined space and the growing baby requires the baby to change positions frequently to find a comfortable position. Squirming is one way the baby adjusts their position and finds the right position.
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Maternal blood sugar response
A mother’s blood sugar level affects her baby’s movements. After a mother eats, her blood sugar level rises, which may encourage her baby to move more. Changes in blood sugar levels give your baby more energy and make him or her more mobile.
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Response to the intrauterine environment
Your baby may move to adjust to the environment in the womb, such as temperature, pressure, and amniotic fluid levels. Movement helps your baby feel comfortable and adjust to their environment better.
When does a baby start moving in the womb?
Fetal movement is an important movement for monitoring the health and growth of the fetus. The baby will start to show movement periodically after the baby’s nervous system and muscles have developed and matured sufficiently. Generally, it starts to learn to move around in the fourth month of pregnancy. This movement is a signal that helps the mother to be aware of the growth and health of the baby more easily.
Fetal movements can be divided into two main types: movements that are related to the mother’s activities, such as when the mother eats or moves, the baby may move along with it; and movements that occur without any cause from the mother’s activities, which may be the baby’s spontaneous movements. These movements can help monitor the baby’s health and can be effectively linked to the assessment of the health of the fetus.
The frequency and nature of fetal movements vary from person to person and the conditions in the womb. It may change with the time of day, and other conditions such as sleeping or waking, the mother’s movements, or even the mother’s own emotional state can also affect the fetal movements.
When does the fetus move?
Mothers should observe the baby’s movements regularly. Generally, a baby should move at least 10 times in 2 hours. If you feel that the baby is moving less, you should lie on your left side , time it for 2 hours, and count the number of times the baby moves. If the baby moves less than 10 times, you should see a doctor immediately. Normally, a fetus can move throughout the day. The times when it usually moves the most are:
- After meals: Approximately 1 hour after eating, especially dinner, because blood sugar levels will increase, giving the baby energy.
- Before bed: This is when your baby is relaxed, your body is calm, and your baby has more room to move around.
- When taking a warm bath: Warm water helps your baby feel relaxed.
- When listening to music: Certain types of music, such as classical music such as Mozart, may stimulate the baby to move.
However, fetal movements depend on many factors, such as gestational age, mother’s daily routine, mother’s mood, mother’s posture, etc.
How to count fetal movements
Counting fetal movements is a process used to monitor the health and well-being of the fetus. Regular and increasing intensity of fetal movements is a good sign that the baby is healthy in the womb. There are several commonly used methods of counting fetal movements, as follows:
- Counting the number of times your baby moves: During times when your baby is most likely to kick or move around, such as in the morning and at night, you can count the number of times your baby moves over an hour or two to check if there is enough movement to be normal.
- Counting the time the baby moves: Count the time the baby moves continuously, such as counting the time the baby moves within an hour or two hours, to check if the baby has the intensity of the movement for a specified period of time.
- Using a fetal movement recorder: There are medical tools or applications that can help you record your baby’s movements. These tools can help you record your baby’s movements at any time.
Counting fetal movements is a simple and effective way to track your baby’s health, but if you have any questions or concerns about your baby’s movements or health, you should consult your doctor for further evaluation and appropriate advice.
What kind of fetal movement is normal?
There are many patterns of fetal movement that are considered normal. Each pregnancy and each baby may have different patterns of movement depending on the time and growth of the baby in the womb. The baby will move more frequently as the age of the baby in the womb increases. Normal fetal movement has the following characteristics:
Pregnancy 18-20 weeks
- It feels like wings are flapping or hiccups.
- Feel it lightly
Pregnancy 20-24 weeks
- I felt the movement and stretching of my arms and legs more clearly.
- You may feel a nudge, roll, or spin.
Pregnancy 24-28 weeks
- Feel the movement more intensely
- The baby may change position frequently.
- Some mothers may feel uncomfortable in the abdomen due to the baby’s movements.
Pregnancy 28-36 weeks
- The movement pattern is similar to the previous period, but more intense.
- Your baby may move less at certain times.
Pregnancy 36 weeks or more
- The baby has less space in the womb.
- Movement may be slower, with less force.
- But still feel the struggle
However, it is important for mothers to observe the baby’s movements regularly. Generally, the baby should move at least 10 times in 2 hours. If you feel that the baby moves less or moves abnormally, you should lie still on your left side for about 2 hours and count the movements. If you still feel that the baby moves less or moves abnormally, you should see a doctor immediately.
What kind of baby movements are dangerous?
Baby’s movement is a sign that the fetus is healthy and growing. The baby’s movement will start to be felt clearly in the middle of pregnancy, around 18-25 weeks. Generally, the baby’s movement will have a constant pattern and frequency in the later stages of pregnancy. If there is any obvious change, you should pay attention and consult a doctor. The movement signs that may indicate a problem are as follows:
The baby moves less.
- Normally, your baby moves every day. Significantly less movement may indicate a problem that needs to be investigated.
- It is recommended that mothers try to count the number of times their baby moves in a 2-hour period. Generally, they should feel at least 10 movements. If they find that the movement is less than that, they should contact their doctor immediately.
There was no struggle at all.
- If you do not feel your baby move at all within 2 hours, try changing the position or drinking cold water to stimulate movement. If there is still no response, see a doctor immediately.
Abnormal movement
- If your baby’s movements change significantly, such as unusually strong movements or irregular movements, you should see a doctor for examination.
If you have any doubts or concerns about your baby’s movements, you should consult your doctor or nurse immediately for proper advice and diagnosis. Do not neglect or wait for time to pass, as taking care of and monitoring your baby’s health in the womb is very important during pregnancy.
Republished with permission from theAsianParent Thailand
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