What is the reason for the decrease in fetal movement?

Fetal movement actually indicates that the fetus is developing normally. After five months of pregnancy, pregnant mothers can gradually feel fetal movements. After that, the fetal movements will gradually increase, and mothers' perception will change from vague to clear. So, what is the reason if the fetal movement becomes less? In fact, it may be the normal development of the fetus. Because in the late pregnancy, the fetal movement will decrease significantly.

If the fetal movement is less than 20 times in 12 hours, it is abnormal; if it is less than 10 times, it indicates that the fetus is in danger and is suffering from hypoxia in the uterus. If the fetal movement exceeds the normal number of times within a period of time, the fetal movement is frequent, or the fetus is restless without interruption, it is also a manifestation of intrauterine hypoxia. A significant decrease in the number of fetal movements until they stop is a sign of severe intrauterine fetal asphyxia. Abnormal fetal movement is caused by pathological conditions and functional disorders, such as a tight umbilical cord around the neck, placental dysfunction, or abnormal medication by pregnant women and adverse external stimuli, which lead to fetal hypoxia in the uterus.

When the life of the fetus is threatened, the fetus will experience abnormal fetal movements, not only in frequency but also in nature. For example, strong, continuous pushing and twisting fetal movements or kicking, or even weak fetal movements, are all ominous signs. If you experience abnormal fetal movement, you should seek medical attention promptly. After 28 weeks of pregnancy, fetal movements are mostly located in the upper and middle abdomen and rarely in the lower abdomen. If fetal movements occur frequently in the lower abdomen, it can be considered abnormal, indicating that the fetal position is abnormal, mostly breech or transverse, which can easily cause difficult delivery and you should seek medical attention in time.

Numerous studies have shown that decreased fetal movement is associated with an increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. Decreased fetal movement indicates the occurrence of intrauterine fetal death, which in some cases occurs within a few days after the decrease in fetal movement.

Under normal circumstances, the fetus moves at least 3 to 5 times in 1 hour, and the number of obvious fetal movements in 12 hours is more than 30 to 40 times. Some fetuses can move about 100 times in 12 hours. As long as the fetal movements are regular, rhythmic, and do not vary much, it proves that the fetal development is normal. The number of fetal movements is not constant. During the 28th to 38th week of pregnancy, the fetal movement is active, and then it weakens slightly until delivery. The pregnant woman's movement, posture, emotions, loud noises, strong light, and touching the abdomen can all cause changes in fetal movement.