It is said that "fetal movement" is very important! But how to count it? This article will tell you everything!

For expectant mothers, fetal movement is very important. Monitoring fetal movement is the most economical and effective way to evaluate whether the baby is safe in the belly during pregnancy. Today, an obstetrician from Hunan Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine will talk about fetal movement.

1. What is fetal movement?

Fetal movement refers to the baby's activities in the uterus, such as the baby rolling in the belly, stretching arms, kicking legs, etc. The first surprise that the baby gives to the mother during pregnancy often starts with fetal movement.

Expectant mothers can feel fetal movement at 16-20 weeks of pregnancy. Fetal movement is more active in the afternoon and night. As the baby grows bigger, the fetal movement will become more obvious and regular. It reaches its peak at 28-34 weeks of pregnancy and may decrease after 38 weeks. The time of first feeling fetal movement will also vary from person to person.

2. Why should we count fetal movements?

Clinical studies have shown that decreased or excessively increased fetal movements, such as repeated kicking and trembling, are usually the primary signal of fetal hypoxia. Therefore, fetal movement counting is an important indicator for self-monitoring of fetal intrauterine safety. By counting fetal movements, the presence of fetal hypoxia can be known in advance or earlier. This shows that fetal movement counting is very important.

3. How to count fetal movements?

1. Dozens Method

Expectant mothers should lie on their left side and count 10 fetal movements within two hours, which is considered a satisfactory fetal movement. If the fetal movement count within 2 hours is less than 6 times or a decrease of 50%, it indicates possible fetal hypoxia and the mother needs to go to the hospital for monitoring in time.

2. Fixed time counting method

Count three times a day in the morning, at noon, and at night. Choose a fixed time, preferably after a meal when the baby is active. Count for one hour each time, and record every time the baby moves. Sometimes the baby will have a series of fetal movements, and only one movement in five minutes will be counted. Add the number of fetal movements in the morning, at noon, and at night and multiply by 4, and that is the number of fetal movements in 12 hours. Normally, the fetus moves 30-40 times in 12 hours.

3. Posture and method

When counting fetal movements, expectant mothers should choose a comfortable position, such as lying on their left side or sitting, placing their hands naturally on their abdomen, and using paper, pen, or mobile phone app software to record each fetal movement they feel. After starting to count, they should stay quiet, concentrate, minimize external interference, and keep a happy mood.

The number of fetal movements felt in different positions is also different. The number of fetal movements in the right side lying position is significantly less than that in the left side lying position.

Under normal circumstances, the fetal movement is 3-5 times per hour. If the fetal movement increases or decreases by half compared to usual, or the fetal movement becomes suddenly intense, significantly decreases, or the pattern of the self-perceived fetal movement changes, it indicates that the fetus may be suffering from hypoxia and you need to go to the hospital for monitoring in time. 40% of expectant mothers experience 1 or more reductions in fetal movement during pregnancy. In most cases, it is temporary, so there is no need to panic. Timely medical treatment is the key!

Hunan Medical Chat Special Author: Liao Jianhua, Department of Obstetrics, Hunan Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine

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(Edited by YT)