Fetal movement… is a sign that indicates how the baby in the womb is doing. During the 1st and 2nd trimesters, the baby moves irregularly, such as moving intermittently and disappearing without a pattern. However, starting from the 3rd trimester, which is from 28 weeks of gestation onwards, the baby will begin to move more regularly. Doctors therefore recommend counting fetal movements from 28 weeks of gestation onwards.
Why is counting fetal movements important?
Because counting the number of fetal movements can indicate the health or abnormalities of the baby. Whenever the baby moves less, it is often associated with chronic oxygen deprivation and a dangerous condition. This may be caused by low amniotic fluid or a knotted umbilical cord. The baby will move less or stop moving for 12-48 hours before death. Therefore, it is recommended to count fetal movements 1-2 times a day, for example, twice: once in the morning and once in the evening.
How to count fetal movements, when and how should it be done?
- Start counting when the pregnancy reaches the 3rd trimester or 28 weeks of gestation onwards.
- One kick in the womb counts as one fetal movement. Another kick counts as two movements. The baby should move more than 4 times per hour.
- If the baby moves less than 4 times in the first hour, start counting in the second hour. If the baby moves less than 4 times in the second hour as well, it may indicate a problem with the baby. The mother should go to the hospital immediately.
- It is recommended to count fetal movements at the same time every day. If unsure or if you feel the baby is moving less, go to the hospital to see a doctor immediately.
