When an expectant mother perceives decreased fetal movement, it can be a very frightening experience. Depending on the stage of pregnancy, sometimes the baby actually is active, but the movements are harder for the woman to detect. Other times, the fetus is simply sleeping, or is temporarily less energetic. There are occasions, however, that decreased fetal movement is a symptom of an emergency situation, such as a premature rupture of the membranes, placental abruption, or fetal hypoxia.

Many times, the mother’s emotional state can momentarily affect the motion of her baby. Under periods of intense stress, the fetus may react with diminished activity. Other outside influences may also result in decreased fetal movement, such as a mother’s nutritional intake or certain prescription medications. Usually, the symptom is temporary, and if a pregnant woman eats, drinks some water and lies down, the baby will often respond by kicking.

Sometimes, decreased fetal movement indicates a serious problem, so an expectant mother should pay close attention to her body. One common cause is a premature rupture of the membranes. The amniotic sac, a thin membrane that surrounds the growing fetus, normally breaks toward the end of pregnancy and indicates that labor has begun. When it ruptures early, prior to week 37, the patient is usually hospitalized and treated with antibiotics, because infection often develops as a result. Delivery is typically delayed as long as it is safe to do so, and the patient is usually restricted to bed rest.

Another common cause of decreased fetal movement is placental abruption, a potentially serious condition in which the placenta separates from the uterine wall. Sometimes, the abruption is slight and capable of healing. When the separation is more severe, however, it restricts the flow of oxygen and blood to the baby and may cause death to the fetus. Poor fetal development, severe infection, or other abnormalities can trigger the condition.

An inadequate supply of oxygen, known as fetal hypoxia, can also result in decreased fetal movement. Sometimes, the umbilical cord fails to deliver enough oxygenated blood to the baby, resulting in long-term effects on the brain and overall fetal development. The risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is also increased when a baby has suffered from fetal hypoxia. Some babies born after experiencing limited oxygen in the womb suffer from neurological conditions, such as epilepsy or cerebral palsy. Birth defects, like abnormalities of the heart, lungs, or other problems can have a life-long effect.