Generally, pregnant women can feel their baby's movements in the womb after four months of pregnancy, but everyone's experience is different. Some may feel fetal movements earlier, while others might not feel them until after five months. Fetal movements can, to some extent, reflect the well-being of the fetus, so it's essential to pay attention to them during pregnancy. However, fetal movements aren't felt all the time; sometimes they are more frequent, and other times less so.
So, when is the fetus most active?
Typically, fetal movements reach their peak between the seventh and ninth months of pregnancy, with as many as over a hundred movements in a 12-hour period. During the day, after a pregnant woman eats, her blood sugar levels rise, providing the fetus with ample sugar and nutrients, which can lead to more frequent movements. Additionally, before bedtime at night, when the baby is more alert and the mother can relax and focus, she may feel the baby moving more actively.
Fetal movements can also be influenced by other factors, such as the mother's physical activity, posture, emotional state, or external stimuli like loud noises, bright lights, or touching the abdomen. Regularly telling stories to the baby, gently stroking the belly, and listening to music can effectively stimulate fetal movements.
It's important to note: Normal fetal movements indicate good placental function, sufficient oxygen supply to the fetus, and healthy fetal development, suggesting the baby is thriving in the womb. However, if there are abnormalities in fetal movements—such as fewer than 20 movements in 12 hours or fewer than 3 movements in an hour—it may indicate potential fetal hypoxia. In such cases, it's crucial to seek immediate medical attention for fetal heart monitoring and oxygen therapy if necessary.
