Why didn't I feel anything when the fetus stopped developing at four months?
Aug 28, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Aiming
Introduction
Fetal停 at four months may go unnoticed due to a lack of obvious symptoms, continued weight gain, reduced fetal movement, protective mechanisms, or psychological factors. In the early stages of fetal停, there may be no apparent abnormal signs. Pregnant women may still experience pregnancy symptoms such as breast tenderness, nausea, and vomiting, leading them to mistakenly believe that the fetus is developing healthily.
Under normal circumstances, a woman may not feel any symptoms when fetal demise occurs at four months due to the lack of obvious signs, continued weight gain, reduced fetal movement, protective psychological mechanisms, and factors related to fetal position and uterine shape. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Lack of obvious symptoms: In the early stages of fetal demise, there may be no apparent abnormal symptoms. Pregnant women may still experience pregnancy-related symptoms such as breast tenderness, nausea, and vomiting, leading them to mistakenly believe that the fetus is developing healthily. Additionally, fetal demise may not be accompanied by obvious symptoms such as abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding, making it difficult for pregnant women to detect the problem.
2. Weight gain: In the early phase after fetal demise, the uterus may continue to enlarge, resulting in weight gain. This can mislead pregnant women into believing that the fetus is developing normally, since uterine enlargement is typically associated with fetal growth. However, this enlargement may actually be due to the presence of the nonviable fetus rather than ongoing development.
3. Reduced fetal movement: A clear sign of fetal demise is decreased or absent fetal movement. However, sometimes pregnant women may not accurately perceive changes in fetal activity. This is because fetal movements at four months may not yet be very distinct, making it difficult for women to distinguish between normal and abnormal patterns. Moreover, first-time mothers may be unfamiliar with what normal fetal movement feels like, making it harder to recognize abnormalities.
4. Protective mechanisms and psychological factors: Some pregnant women may subconsciously protect themselves from the emotional impact of facing the reality of fetal demise. This psychological defense mechanism may cause them to ignore or deny warning signs. Furthermore, hormonal fluctuations and emotional changes during pregnancy can also affect a woman’s perception of her body.
5. Fetal position and uterine shape: Sometimes fetal demise occurs on the posterior wall of the uterus or in a relatively high position, which may make it harder for the mother to feel fetal movements. Additionally, certain uterine abnormalities may also impair a woman’s ability to perceive fetal motion.
If a pregnant woman suspects that her fetus is not developing properly, she should immediately consult a doctor and undergo appropriate examinations to ensure the health and safety of the fetus.
