Is it Normal for a Fetus to Move Continuously for Several Hours?

Update Date: Source: Network

After pregnancy, women must pay more attention to their own condition. Generally, fetal movements will occur in the second trimester, especially in the later stages of pregnancy, when fetal movements are more frequent. However, excessive fetal movements or a decrease in fetal movements should be noted. It is usually not normal for a fetus to move continuously for several hours, and medical attention should be sought promptly.

1. Is it normal for a fetus to move continuously for several hours?

It is not normal for a fetus to move continuously for several hours. When there are special situations such as frequent fetal movements or prolonged fetal movements, it usually indicates special conditions such as intrauterine hypoxia or umbilical cord entanglement. It is recommended to promptly visit the hospital for relevant examinations such as ultrasonography and fetal heart monitoring, and receive low-flow oxygen inhalation before re-examination. Under normal conditions, fetal movements are greater than 3-5 times per hour, and continuous fetal movements are counted as one fetal movement. Pregnant women should rest regularly, maintain a balanced diet, engage in appropriate exercise, and have regular prenatal check-ups to keep abreast of the fetal development.

2. How long is it normal for a fetus to move continuously?

Under normal conditions, when a woman is eight months pregnant, the frequency of fetal movements is the highest, with thousands of movements per day. As the pregnancy progresses and the baby's movement space decreases, the frequency of fetal movements will decrease. Some experts predict that during the frequent fetal movement stage, the number of fetal movements per hour should be at least four. If a pregnant woman finds that her fetal movements are less than four times in a day, she should promptly visit the hospital for a check-up to assess the baby's health. As for the frequent periods of fetal movements during pregnancy, many mothers attach great importance to the number of fetal movements and even the fetal movements throughout the day, hoping to understand the normal fetal movement patterns to better assess the baby's health status.

There are several common times when fetal movements are more frequent:

  1. Fetal movements are more frequent in the evening. After a day's activities, pregnant women often have more free time in the evening and are in a state of rest, allowing them to focus and better observe their baby's fetal movements.
  2. Fetal movements are more frequent after meals. This is when the baby is more active and has more energy. After a meal, the mother's blood sugar levels are high, providing sufficient energy for the baby, resulting in more frequent fetal movements.
  3. Fetal movements are more frequent during bathing. It is said that mothers and babies share a special bond. When the mother is in a relaxed state, such as when bathing, the baby is also likely to be in a relaxed state, resulting in more frequent fetal movements.