fetal movement
Học thuậtThân thiện
A pregnant woman gently places her hand on her belly to feel the fetal movement.
Definition
Noun: - Motion of a fetus within the uterus: The physical movements made by an unborn baby (fetus) while inside the mother's womb. These movements are a normal part of fetal development and are typically first felt by the mother or detected by medical professionals around the 16th to 25th week of pregnancy.
Usage
- General Use: The term is used in medical, clinical, and everyday contexts to describe the phenomenon of the fetus moving.
- Detection: Fetal movement is a key indicator of fetal health and well-being. A significant change in the pattern or frequency of movements can be a sign to consult a healthcare provider.
Examples
- The mother felt the first fetal movement, often called "quickening," during her fifth month.
- Monitoring fetal movement is a routine part of prenatal care.
- A decrease in fetal movement should be reported to a doctor or midwife immediately.
Advanced Usage
- "Kick count": A method of tracking fetal movement where the mother records the number of kicks or movements felt within a specific time period.
- Her doctor advised her to do a daily kick count to monitor fetal movement.
- In medical diagnostics: The assessment of fetal movement is part of biophysical profiles and non-stress tests used to evaluate fetal health.
Variants and Related Words
- Quickening (n): An older or more traditional term for the mother's first perception of fetal movement.
- Fetal activity (n): A broader term that can encompass movement as well as other indicators like heart rate patterns.
Synonyms
- Fetal motion
- Baby's movements (informal, non-medical context)
Antonyms
- Fetal stillness (conceptual opposite, indicating a concerning lack of movement)
Related Phrases/Concepts
- "Count the kicks": A public health campaign and common advice encouraging pregnant individuals to track fetal movements.
- "Pattern of movement": Refers to the typical times of day and types of movement (kicks, rolls, hiccups) characteristic of an individual fetus.
A pregnant woman gently places her hand on her belly to feel the fetal movement.
Noun
- motion of a fetus within the uterus (usually detected by the 16th week of pregnancy)