Foetal movement

Foetal movement refers to the motion of a foetus within the uterus as it develops during pregnancy. These movements are a normal part of prenatal development and are often felt by the pregnant individual, typically starting between the 18th and 25th week of pregnancy.

Types of Foetal Movement

Foetal movements can be categorized into two main types: active movement and passive movement. Active movement involves the foetus moving its own body parts, such as kicking or turning. Passive movement, on the other hand, is caused by the mother's actions, such as walking or changing position.

Detection and Monitoring

The first foetal movements felt by the pregnant individual are often described as a fluttering sensation, known as quickening. As the pregnancy progresses, these movements become more pronounced and can often be seen from the outside of the abdomen.

Monitoring foetal movement is an important part of prenatal care. A sudden decrease in foetal movement can be a sign of potential complications, such as foetal distress or stillbirth. Therefore, pregnant individuals are often advised to perform kick counts, which involve tracking the number of movements felt within a certain time period.

Significance of Foetal Movement

Foetal movement is not only a sign of a healthy pregnancy, but it also plays a crucial role in the development of the foetus. It aids in the development of the foetal musculoskeletal system, and it also stimulates the development of the nervous system.

See Also

• Pregnancy
• Foetal development
• Prenatal care