Patient's question:
I have an itchy lower body, and my underwear is always yellow. What's going on? Is frequent fetal movement a sign of fetal hypoxia?Doctor's answer:
In normal pregnancy at 18-20 weeks, most pregnant women can feel fetal movement, which initially starts relatively mild and occurs less frequently, about 3-5 times per hour. As the pregnancy progresses, fetal movement becomes more active, but it tends to decrease in the later stages. Generally, after 28-32 weeks, fetal movement reaches its peak. After 36 weeks, both the amplitude and frequency of fetal movement also decrease, and the perceives it as a sensation of movement. Fetal movement is more uniform from 8-12 a.m., with the least activity between 2-3 p.m., after which it gradually increases and peaks again from 8-11 p.m. Fetal movement is an important indicator of the fetus's well-being in the uterus. Monitoring fetal movement can provide insights into the fetus's condition inside the womb. For example, a decrease in fetal movement is a significant signal of fetal hypoxia in the uterus, often associated with placental dysfunction or fetal hypoxia, which is a critical sign of fetal distress. If a notices a decrease in fetal movement, it is important to seek medical attention at a formal hospital's gynecology department promptly for proper diagnosis and treatment.