What is the difference between normal and abnormal fetal movements? What are normal fetal movements like?

We all know that after a woman's pregnancy reaches a certain stage, the baby will gradually grow and develop, and will move frequently, which is what we call fetal movement. The fetal movement is different at different times, and the fetal movement in the second trimester is generally more frequent. So what is the difference between the movement of a normal fetus and an abnormal fetus? Let's take a closer look!

The difference between abnormal and normal fetal movements

Time of initial fetal movement

Normal fetal movements usually occur at 16-18 weeks, while abnormal fetal movements will appear later, and it may take around 20 weeks for the pregnant woman to feel the fetal movements.

Fetal activity

Fetal movement has its own rules. Normal fetal movement may be frequent during the day and quiet at night, or very rare during the day and more active at night. Abnormal fetal movement is irregular, slow, and less frequent.

The amplitude of fetal movement

The fetal movement of a normal fetus is relatively large, and the pregnant woman will feel that the fetal movement is very strong. However, the fetal movement of an abnormal fetus is small and particularly weak. If the pregnant woman is careless, she may not feel the fetal movement for a long time.

What are the fetal movements of a problematic fetus?

1. Fetal movement is too late

Generally speaking, fetal movements will become more frequent at the end of the 12th week, multiparas will feel fetal movements at 15-16 weeks, and primiparas will feel fetal movements at 18-20 weeks. If you still can't feel fetal movements at 20 weeks, you must go to the hospital for consultation. You need to make sure whether there is something wrong with your feeling or the fetus is really not moving.

2. Abnormal fetal movement

If the pregnant mother has a high fever, or has an improper sleeping position that puts pressure on the fetus, or the amniotic fluid decreases, the fetus will suffer from hypoxia and decreased fetal movement.

If the pregnant mother's abdomen is hit by external force, suffers severe trauma, has reduced uterine pressure, or has a knotted umbilical cord, the fetal movement may accelerate and then suddenly stop.

What are normal fetal movements like?

Normal fetal movements are regular, rhythmic, and do not vary too much.

1. During the 16th to 20th week, the fetal movement is concentrated near the belly button, not very obvious, very slight. Sometimes it is like a small fish swimming, sometimes like a butterfly dancing, and sometimes gurgling.

2. During the 20-35 weeks, the fetal movement is closer to the stomach and is very obvious. The baby will make various large movements such as punching, kicking, rolling, etc.

3. After 35 weeks, the fetal movement is very strong. If the fetus enters the pelvis early, the fetal movement will become less. If it does not enter the pelvis, there will still be a lot of fetal movement.