While waiting for the arrival of a new life, fetal movement is undoubtedly one of the most exciting moments for future parents. There are many sayings about fetal movements, one of which is that "boys move earlier than girls". This point of view has sparked a wide range of discussions, but it is also full of doubts and curiosity. In the end, can the morning and evening of fetal movement really be used as a basis for judging the sex of the fetus? Or, what are the scientific, physiological factors behind it?
For a long time, there was a widespread belief that fetal movements begin earlier in boys than in girls. This notion is rooted in folklore, but lacks scientific basis. In fact, after a comprehensive analysis of multiple studies, it was found that the sex of the fetus has no direct effect on the morning or evening of fetal movement. Fetal movement, as an important indicator of fetal health, is the first perception time that varies from person to person, mainly affected by factors such as fetal development speed, maternal perception ability, and placental position.
Scientific studies have shown that fetal movements are usually first perceived by the mother between the 18th and 25th week of pregnancy, during which time the sex of the fetus has little effect on its mobility. The first perception of fetal movement is more related to the internal environment of the mother and the growth environment of the fetus, rather than simply distinguishing between sexes.
In addition, the frequency, intensity, and type of fetal movements vary with the progress of pregnancy, and early weak fetal movements may vary depending on the mother's perceived threshold. Therefore, it is unscientific to infer fetal sex based on the timing and pattern of fetal movements. A proper understanding of such folklore can help break down gender stereotypes and promote the formation of scientific parenting concepts.
Individual differences in fetal movement perception are determined by a variety of factors. First, differences in maternal constitution have a significant impact on the timing of fetal movements. For example, a mother with a high body fat percentage may perceive fetal movement a little later because the fat layer acts as a buffer for the transmission of fetal movements. Secondly, the amount of daily activity of the mother can also affect the perception of fetal movement. More active mothers may notice fetal movement later because they are distracted.
In addition to maternal factors, the activity pattern of the fetus is also an important factor affecting fetal movement perception. The fetus exhibits different frequencies and intensities at different stages of development. For example, as the fetal nervous system matures, its movements become more forceful and frequent, making it easier for the mother to perceive fetal movements.
Understanding these individual differences can help mothers correctly understand the changes in fetal movements and avoid unnecessary anxiety. Every mother's experience of perceiving fetal movement is unique, and this process should be understood and experienced with a scientific attitude.
Fetal position, i.e. the position and position of the fetus in the womb, has an important impact on the intensity and frequency of the mother's perception of fetal movements. For example, when the fetus is in a head-down (top position), its kicks and manual movements may be felt directly on the mother's abdomen, making it easier to perceive. Conversely, if the fetus has its back to the mother's abdomen (dorsal position), the sensation of fetal movement transmitted to the mother may be relatively diminished.
As the pregnancy progresses, the fetus changes position, affecting the mother's perception of fetal movements. In some cases, the position of the placenta can also affect the perception of fetal movement, such as placenta previa, which may cause fetal movement to feel less subtle.
Understanding the influence of fetal position on fetal movement perception can help mothers interpret changes in fetal movement more scientifically, rather than simply attributing it to fetal sex or other non-scientific factors.
The level of activity in the womb varies depending on the stage of development. During the first trimester, the fetus is relatively less active and less forceful, and it may be difficult for the mother to perceive. As the fetus grows, its muscles develop and its nervous system matures, the activity becomes more frequent and powerful, and the mother can clearly perceive fetal movements.
The activities of the fetus include not only kicking and punching, but also rolling over, hiccups, etc. These activities are essential for the healthy development of the fetus, and they contribute to the growth of muscles and the development of bones. Therefore, the perception of fetal movement is not only a way for the mother to communicate with the fetus, but also an important indicator for assessing the health of the fetus.
In summary, the morning and intensity of fetal movements are influenced by a variety of factors, including individual differences, fetal position, and the fetus's own activity level. Understanding fetal movements from a scientific perspective can help expectant mothers better experience the pregnancy process while reducing unnecessary anxiety caused by misunderstanding fetal movements.