Understanding Fetal Movement in the Third Trimester: A Guide for Expectant Mothers

Question
Hi, My name is Alexis and I am 31 weeks pregnant and have a question regarding what is normal fetal movement. Once or twice a day I notice the baby has what I would consider "unusual" movement. It looks like the baby is making constant, rhythmic, slightly rocking/gentle bouncing movements in the chest/trunk area. Its like the baby is constantly very gently moving. I know it is not hiccups as teh baby gets those too. This may last 10-15 minutes and the baby sometimes moves arms and legs too while this is happening.  Could this be seizures?  I also notice when this is happening, the fetal heartrate is higher than normal-sometimes 170 or so and stays that high while the movements are occuring. My doctor has brushed off my concerns saying it seems like the baby is moving so the heart will be up. My concern though is that the movement is not normal. Do you have any insight as to this?

I read your answer to another girl regarding a high heartbeat that you just posted and thought I would ask this question-I too am also concerned that the rocking movement can be from a lack of oxygen and the heartrate is increased because of it.  I also had a NST like the other girl and it was normal-but of course the baby wasn't doing the movement thing during it.

I am hoping it is all just normal pregnancy stuff but how are you to know without asking? :)

Also, is there anything such as too much movement?

Answer
Dear Alexis,

The only information I can find in researching this topic is conflicting, repeat conflicting, information regarding studies conducted to try and correlate the incidence of fetal hyperactivity with childhood hyperactivity. Because these studies are conflicting, I do not consider them valid in referencing them as a cause or reason for brief periods of fetal hyperactivity. But to try and ease your mind - I will let you know ALL I have found.

The one thing that I CAN draw from these studies is that there are many women who note periods of hyperactivity during pregnancy. The fact that the times of increased activity and increased heart rate are brief in nature are what is important. As well as the fact that the heart rate IS increasing with the activity. This is an appropriate and healthy response to the movement.

The NST should show any signs of oxygen deprivation in your baby.

I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I understand your need to know what is going on, but please don't worry too much. :-)

Brenda