The fetus stops moving, knows what conditions are normal and what is not

The mother can feel the presence of the fetus when she starts kicking in the womb, although sometimes it hurts. An active fetus is a sign that the fetus is in good health. Usually, the fetus likes to kick at 18-22 weeks of gestation. And, after that maybe the fetal movement that the mother feels can be reduced. However, if the fetus suddenly stops moving in the womb, this certainly worries the mother. Why does the fetus stop moving?

Various causes for the fetus to stop moving

Don't worry just yet, Mom. Although in general, a fetus can continue to move about ten times in 12 hours, sometimes it will stop moving. This is perfectly normal. However, if the fetal movement has stopped for too long, you may need to get it checked by a doctor.

The following are some of the reasons the fetus stops moving or rarely moves when it enters the third trimester:

1. Position of the baby

It can also affect how much the mother can feel the movement of the fetus. If the position of the fetus is close to the mother's spine, the movement made by the fetus may not reach the mother's stomach so that the mother cannot feel it. However, as the fetus grows, the mother may feel the fetal kick more and more.

2. The fetus sleeps

Yes, the fetus also has hours of sleep since it is still in the womb. Sleeping fetus usually lasts 20-40 minutes or more (but not more than 90 minutes). When the fetus is sleeping, of course the fetus does not move. So, you don't have to worry if during this time you can't feel the movement of the fetus.

3. Mother stress or nutritional problems

When the mother is stressed, stress hormones are released by the mother's body. And, this can affect the amount of fetal movement. The fetus will probably move less. In addition, dehydration or fasting (or the mother limiting her food intake) can also cause fetal movements to decrease. This is because the food the mother eats gives the fetus energy to move.

4. The fetus has limited growth

The limitation of growth in the uterus can be seen from the size of the fetus that is smaller than the normal size of the fetus at the same gestational age. A small fetus may make the same amount of movement as a normal fetus, but the mother may not be able to feel it.

5. Premature rupture of the membranes

Amniotic fluid allows the fetus to move freely in the womb. However, if the amniotic fluid is getting less and less (such as when the womb is approaching the time of birth) or if the membranes rupture prematurely, this can limit the baby's movement. Premature rupture of membranes can cause problems for the fetus.

6. Hypoxia

Hypoxia is a condition when the fetus is deprived of oxygen. This can be caused by the fetal umbilical cord being bent or twisted, so that oxygen cannot be delivered properly to the fetus. Hypoxia can have long-term effects on the brain and fetal development as a whole. When the fetus is hypoxic, it usually reduces or stops its movements to conserve energy.

7. Placental abruption

Placental abruption is a condition in which the placenta separates from the uterine wall. In severe cases, this can restrict the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus. If left untreated, this can certainly cause the fetus to die in the womb. Thus, if placental abruption occurs, the fetus must be born immediately, especially if the womb is already large.

8.The fetus dies in the womb (stillborn baby)

Stillbirths can occur after the gestational age of more than 20 weeks, but are usually more common at 28 weeks of gestation. According to the American Pregnancy Association, 50% of mothers who give birth to stillbirths experience signs of a gradual decrease in fetal movement for several days before the baby dies in the womb.

Immediately see a doctor if you feel the movement of the fetus changes

The amount of movement a fetus makes may vary between fetuses. A normal fetus can usually make 10 movements in two hours or less by 28 weeks of gestation or more. If you are worried about decreased fetal movements, you should rest, drink water, and eat (especially sweet foods). This can provide energy for the fetus to move.

However, if the fetus stops moving for a long time, you may need to get it checked by a doctor. Immediately consult your doctor if you feel the baby's movements suddenly decrease or stop for a long time. Early treatment may be able to prevent stillbirths or other unwanted things.

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