Fetal Movement: When to Worry and Seek Medical Advice

Q: Fetal Movement: When to Worry and Seek Medical Advice

Hello： In response to your question, fetal movement typically begins to be felt after 18 weeks, although some individuals may notice it a week or two later. <br>Generally, we recommend paying attention to the baby's movements after meals, as blood sugar levels rise post-eating, l

Fetal movement

Dr.
Wang: Hello! I'm back again.
I know you are very busy, but I have a question I would like to ask you.
Sometimes the fetal movements are very frequent, but today they seem to be noticeably less, which makes me very worried.
I’ve tried gently tapping or pressing my abdomen, but there hasn’t been much response! This is really concerning.
Do I need to see a doctor? I read in a magazine that it’s recommended to record fetal movements every day.
Is that really necessary? I would greatly appreciate it if you could take some time to answer me.
Thank you!

Xiao Hui, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2003/10/09

Dr. Wang Jionglang reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello: In response to your question, fetal movement typically begins to be felt after 18 weeks, although some individuals may notice it a week or two later.
Generally, we recommend paying attention to the baby's movements after meals, as blood sugar levels rise post-eating, leading to increased fetal activity.
It's sufficient to monitor fetal movements 2 to 3 times a day without excessive worry.
However, if there are no fetal movements throughout the entire day, it is important to go to the hospital for an examination immediately.

Reply Date: 2003/10/09

More Info

Dear Patient,
Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding fetal movement. It’s completely understandable to feel anxious when you notice changes in your baby’s activity levels. Monitoring fetal movement is an important aspect of pregnancy care, and I’m here to provide you with some guidance.

Fetal movement is a sign of your baby’s well-being. Typically, you should start to feel your baby move between 18 to 25 weeks of pregnancy. As your pregnancy progresses, these movements will become more pronounced and frequent. However, it is not uncommon for there to be variations in the frequency and intensity of these movements, especially as your baby grows and runs out of space to move around.

In general, a decrease in fetal movement can be a cause for concern, particularly if you notice a significant drop in activity. If you find that your baby is moving less than usual, it is advisable to take some time to focus on your baby’s movements. Many healthcare providers recommend that you perform a "kick count" to monitor fetal activity. This involves lying down in a comfortable position and counting the number of times your baby moves within a specific timeframe, usually one to two hours. A healthy baby typically moves at least 10 times in two hours. If you notice fewer than this, or if the movements feel different than usual, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider.

In your case, since you mentioned that you’ve experienced a significant decrease in fetal movement and that gentle stimulation (like light tapping) hasn’t elicited a response, I would recommend that you seek medical advice promptly. It’s better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your baby’s health. Your doctor may suggest an ultrasound or a non-stress test to assess your baby’s condition and ensure everything is progressing well.

As for the suggestion to keep a daily record of fetal movements, this can be a helpful practice. Keeping track of your baby’s movements can help you become more attuned to their patterns and any changes that may occur. It can also provide valuable information to your healthcare provider if you have concerns.

In summary, while fluctuations in fetal movement can be normal, a noticeable decrease should not be ignored. It’s always best to consult with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about your pregnancy. They are there to support you and ensure the health and safety of both you and your baby.

Take care, and please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have further questions or concerns.

Best regards,
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