During pregnancy, some abnormal phenomena in the mother's body are signals from the baby to the mother. If the mother learns to recognize them, she can address them early to ensure the health of the fetus.
1. Abnormal fetal movement
Fetal movement is one of the most objective signs of fetal life.
Therefore, pregnant women need to frequently monitor fetal movement to understand the safety of the fetus. Generally, between 16-20 weeks of pregnancy, the fetus begins to exhibit noticeable movements that can be felt by the mother. From 18 weeks of pregnancy until delivery, the mother should count fetal movements for one hour in the morning, afternoon, and evening. The total number of movements from these three counts is then multiplied by 4 to get the number of movements in 12 hours. A normal fetal movement count is ≥3 times per hour or ≥30 times in 12 hours, indicating the fetus is in good condition. If the count is ≤20 times in 12 hours or <3 times per hour, it suggests the fetus may be experiencing intrauterine hypoxia. If fetal movement is <10 times in 12 hours, it indicates danger to the fetus, and immediate medical attention is required.
2. Abnormal amniotic fluid volume
Amniotic fluid is regarded as the 'lifeblood' of the fetus and is one of the elements that sustain fetal survival.
Both excessive and insufficient amniotic fluid can be warning signs of fetal abnormalities. If an examination reveals abnormal amniotic fluid volume, the mother should be alert. In early pregnancy, amniotic fluid mainly comes from the mother's serum entering the amniotic cavity through the fetal membranes, while in late pregnancy, it is primarily produced from fetal urine. Amniotic fluid begins to appear around ten weeks of pregnancy and increases with gestational age, gradually decreasing after 38 weeks. Generally, the normal amount of amniotic fluid at full term is about 800-1000 milliliters. If the volume exceeds 1500 milliliters, or even 2000 milliliters, it is termed polyhydramnios. The fetus can swallow amniotic fluid, and excessive fluid may indicate that the fetus cannot swallow it, increased urine production, or gastrointestinal obstruction. Additionally, polyhydramnios may also suggest abnormalities in the fetal central nervous system or cardiovascular system. If the amniotic fluid is less than 300 milliliters, it is termed oligohydramnios, which may indicate incomplete development of the fetal kidneys or lungs.
3. Vaginal bleeding
If a pregnant woman experiences heavy bleeding in early pregnancy, it may indicate a miscarriage, and she should seek medical attention immediately.
If there is only light spotting that appears brown, it is mostly a sign of threatened miscarriage, and resting in bed can help improve the situation. If there is persistent bleeding in mid to late pregnancy, it is important to consider the possibility of placenta previa with bleeding or placental abruption, and it is advisable to seek medical attention for confirmation through ultrasound.
4. Skin itching
The itching associated with cholestasis generally begins in the palms and soles.
There are no rashes or skin lesions on the pregnant woman's skin, only scratch marks. In severe cases, jaundice may be seen in the sclera and skin, but there are no gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea or loss of appetite. This is a pregnancy-specific complication characterized by itching and jaundice, which poses significant risks to the fetus. This condition may be due to the large amount of estrogen produced in the mother's body after pregnancy, affecting liver cell function and causing bile excretion obstruction. Bile accumulates around liver cells, beneath the skin, and around the placental villous blood vessels. The accumulation of bile in the subcutaneous tissue stimulates nerve endings, causing itching throughout the skin; bile accumulation around the placental villous blood vessels can lead to circulatory disturbances between the mother and fetus, putting the intrauterine fetus in a hypoxic state, which can result in slow fetal growth and development, and in severe cases, fetal death.
5. Signals of gestational hypertension
It is mainly characterized by lower limb edema, elevated blood pressure, and the presence of protein in urine after mid-pregnancy. In severe cases, symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, vomiting, and blurred vision.
Pregnant women should maintain a cheerful spirit, pay attention to rest, ensure adequate sleep, reduce fat and salt intake, and increase the intake of protein, vitamins, iron, calcium, and other trace elements, which is beneficial for preventing gestational hypertension syndrome.
