Patient's question:
I'm almost five months pregnant and I'm not quite sure what the fetal movement feels like.Doctor's answer:
Hello, after the fourth month of pregnancy, that is, starting from the fifth month, the mother can clearly feel the movement of the fetus, known as fetal movement. The frequency of fetal movement is not constant. During the 28th to 38th week of pregnancy, it is the period of active fetal movement, which then slightly decreases until delivery. The mother's movement, posture, emotions, as well as loud sounds, bright lights, and touching the abdomen, can all cause changes in fetal movement.Advice: Throughout the day, there are two peak periods of active fetal movement—one from 7 to 9 a.m. and another from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. the next day. At other times, especially in the morning, fetal movement is relatively less active. The general rule is that there should be no fewer than 3 to 5 movements per hour, and the total movement within 12 hours should be around 30 to 40 times or more. The earliest sensation of fetal movement may feel like a fish swimming or wings fluttering, often being mistaken for indigestion, gas, or hunger.
Counting method: Count the fetal movement for 1 hour at fixed times in the morning, afternoon, and evening each day. If there are more than 3 movements per hour, it indicates that the fetus is doing well.