Inactive Fetus with Tight Abdomen

When the fetus in the womb is not moving as actively as usual, it will certainly cause its own concerns for the mother. A fetus that does not move all day can be a danger sign, especially if the mother's stomach also feels tight and the gestational age has not reached 37 weeks.

To understand the condition that the mother is experiencing and how to deal with it, read this article until the end, okay.

Tight Stomach

A tight stomach is a symptom that the uterus is experiencing contractions. Contractions can occur before the pregnancy reaches 37 weeks, which are known as false contractions. However, this is not part of labor, Mom.

In addition, it is also necessary to monitor whether while the stomach feels tight, the fetus is still moving actively or not. A fetus that is still moving actively indicates that it is still well and healthy in the womb. Ideally, the mother will feel 10 fetal movements in 2 hours or less.

However, if contractions occur before 37 weeks accompanied by vaginal bleeding, then this is a sign that the mother is starting the process of premature labor. This premature birth poses a high risk to the fetus, because its vital organs are not yet fully mature to be able to live outside the womb. Therefore, mothers are strongly advised to seek medical help.

Fetus Not Moving with a Tight Stomach

If the fetus does not feel like it is moving, even though the pregnancy has not reached 37 weeks, then this could be a danger sign. This condition indicates that blood flow in the uterus is being disrupted, which causes the fetus to lack oxygen.

Lack of oxygen can cause the fetus to have difficulty breathing, so it needs to be helped by a doctor as soon as possible. This action is taken to prevent the fetus from experiencing permanent brain damage.

A fetus that does not move also means that it has died in the womb, or is called intrauterine fetal death. A fetus that has died still needs to be removed from the womb, so as not to create further complications.

Mother, if the fetus does not move but the stomach feels tight and contracted, you still need to seek medical help. A fetus that is still alive, even though it rarely moves, may still be able to be saved.

Dealing with a Tight Stomach with a Non-Moving Fetus

Facing a situation with a tight stomach and a non-moving fetus, you need to consult a doctor directly to check the condition of your pregnancy.

Generally, the doctor will evaluate the fetus using an ultrasound device. With this device, the doctor will find out whether the fetus' heart is still beating (which is a sign that it is still alive) or is no longer beating.

If the fetus' heart is still beating, the doctor will examine it with a cardiotocography device. This device will calculate whether the heartbeat is regular or not. An irregular heartbeat is a sign that the fetus is not in good health.

Meanwhile, if your pregnancy is mature (or at least 37 weeks old) and you experience a tight stomach, you will also be closely monitored because it means that the labor process is near.

Well, to maintain the health of the fetus so that it actively moves in the stomach, you must consume balanced nutrition. This can be done by eating healthy foods and drinking milk specifically for pregnant women. To understand how pregnancy milk benefits mothers and fetuses, read the following article: 5 Reasons Why Pregnant Women Need to Consume Pregnancy Milk

Reference: Health Hub. Monitoring the Baby During Labor. Accessed 25 July 2024. https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/pregnancy-monitoring-the-baby-during-labour