"What Causes Frequent Fetal Movements at Night During the 35th Week of Pregnancy?"

Frequent Fetal Movements at Night During the 35th Week of Pregnancy

Frequent fetal movements at night during the 35th week of pregnancy may be attributed to physiological factors such as adequate nutrition, active fetal movement periods, external stimuli, and environmental factors. However, pathological conditions like fetal hypoxia, maternal fever, or maternal hypoglycemia can also lead to increased fetal movements. Fetal movements reflect the baby's activity within the uterus, and both excessive and reduced movements can indicate abnormalities. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, follow doctor's instructions after identifying the underlying cause, and address it accordingly. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Physiological Factors

1. Adequate Nutrition: If the mother consumes excessive food during dinner or snacks before bedtime, the fetus may receive ample energy, leading to frequent fetal movements. This is a normal physiological phenomenon and does not require intervention.

2. Active Fetal Movement Period: Some fetuses exhibit periods of heightened activity at night, characterized by excessively frequent movements. If these movements are regular and fetal examinations show no abnormalities, it is considered normal and does not require special treatment.

3. External Stimuli: At night, external stimuli such as loud noises or abdominal vibrations can trigger frequent fetal movements. Reducing such stimuli often restores normalcy, and it is advisable to adopt a lateral position while resting at night.

4. Environmental Factors: During the day, the environment may be noisy, distracting the mother from noticing fetal movements. At night, when the environment is quieter, the mother may pay closer attention, mistakenly perceiving more frequent movements. This is also a normal phenomenon and does not require intervention, but continued monitoring of fetal movements is advised. If movements persist in being excessively frequent, medical attention should be sought.

Pathological Factors

1. Fetal Hypoxia: Severe anemia or infectious diseases in the mother can increase her oxygen consumption, reducing the oxygen content in her blood and leading to excessively frequent fetal movements. Treating the underlying conditions and, if necessary, administering oxygen therapy can help alleviate this.

2. Maternal Fever: Fever in the mother can accelerate metabolism, resulting in frequent fetal movements. Reducing fever through physical methods, such as wiping with warm water and drinking plenty of fluids, can help manage this symptom.

3. Maternal Hypoglycemia: By the 35th week of pregnancy, the fetus's development relies heavily on maternal nutrition. After midnight, the nutrients ingested by the mother are largely metabolized, and some may experience hypoglycemia, which can cause frequent fetal movements due to the perceived low blood sugar levels. Adjusting dietary habits and having light snacks at night can help alleviate this issue.