Patient's question:
I am 4 days away from being 5 months pregnant, but I felt fetal movement at 4 months. There is more movement at 4.5 months, and now that it's almost 5 months, I've noticed it's not as frequent as before, but it still moves sometimes. Is this normal? Under normal circumstances, how many times is considered normal for fetal movement in a day at this stage? Please let me know!Additional question: I've been constipated these days. What could be the reason, and does it affect anything?
Doctor's answer:
Hello:At the 8th week of pregnancy, the embryo has taken on a human-like shape. At this stage, fetal movement may occur, but it is often not noticeable to the pregnant woman. Only an ultrasound can detect it. By the 18th to 20th week of pregnancy, the pregnant woman may begin to feel fetal movement. By the 29th to 38th week, the frequency of fetal movement reaches its peak, after which it gradually weakens until delivery. The number of fetal movements per day is generally around 30 to 40.
Some women have irregular menstrual cycles, experiencing periods every 2 to 3 months, or they may become pregnant while breastfeeding. If they can remember the timing of fetal movement, it can be very helpful in accurately calculating the due date.
To count fetal movement, do it once in the morning, once in the afternoon, and once in the evening, with each session lasting 1 hour. For each movement, record it from the start of the movement to when it stops as one count. Add the counts from the three sessions together and multiply by 4 to get the total number of fetal movements in 12 hours. If the number of fetal movements in 12 hours is between 30 and 40, it indicates that the fetus is doing well. If it is less than 10, it may indicate fetal hypoxia, and measures must be taken. If there is no fetal movement in 12 hours, it may mean that the fetus could die within 24 to 48 hours, and immediate rescue measures should be taken. Too little fetal movement is bad, and too much fetal movement is equally bad. If fetal movement occurs without intervals, it is often a distress signal from the fetus due to early hypoxia. If the hypoxia is not corrected in time, the intensity of fetal movement will gradually weaken, the frequency will decrease, and it will eventually stop.
Fetal movement is a signal from the fetus to the mother about its well-being. Therefore, pregnant women should pay attention to fetal movement, learn how to count it correctly, and observe it carefully.
Constipation during pregnancy is not uncommon, but the severity varies. In severe cases, medical attention is necessary.