Do babies with Down syndrome have fetal movements?

Jul 08, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Lu

Introduction

Most fetuses with Down syndrome exhibit fetal movements, although a few may have weak or no noticeable fetal movements due to severe developmental abnormalities. Although most fetuses with Down syndrome have chromosomal abnormalities, their own development is not severely affected, and limbs and other organs can function normally; therefore, fetal movements are present. The pattern and intensity of fetal movements are not significantly different from those of normal fetuses, and mothers can perceive clear fetal activity.

Under normal circumstances, most fetuses with Down syndrome will have fetal movements, although a few may have weak or no obvious fetal movements due to severe developmental abnormalities. If any abnormalities are noticed, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed explanation is as follows:

Although most Down syndrome fetuses have chromosomal abnormalities, their physical development is often not severely affected, and their limbs and other organs can move normally. Therefore, these fetuses usually have fetal movements, with patterns and intensity similar to those of normal fetuses, and expectant mothers can clearly perceive their movements.

However, some fetuses with Down syndrome may have serious congenital malformations, such as underdeveloped hearts or abnormal limb development, which can weaken the fetus's mobility, resulting in weak or infrequent fetal movements or even no obvious movements. Such conditions can be detected through ultrasound examinations.

During pregnancy, regular monitoring of fetal movement and timely prenatal screening for Down syndrome are necessary. If abnormal fetal movements or screening results are observed, further diagnostic tests should be conducted promptly to confirm the situation.

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When does fetal movement typically begin?

In general, first-time mothers begin to feel fetal movements around 18 to 20 weeks of pregnancy, while women who have given birth before may feel movements slightly earlier, approximately between 16 to 18 weeks. It is recommended to maintain good sleep habits with early bedtime and wake-up times during pregnancy, eat more vegetables and fruits, and also listen to music frequently to relax and improve mood.

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How to relieve edema in the late stages of pregnancy

In general, edema in the late stages of pregnancy can be alleviated through lifestyle adjustments, dietary modifications, moderate exercise, foot soaking, and leg massages. Pregnant women in their third trimester should also closely monitor fetal movements, attend regular prenatal checkups, track blood pressure and blood glucose levels, prepare for childbirth, and seek medical attention promptly if abnormal fetal movements occur, to ensure the health of both mother and baby.

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Why does my stomach feel like it's moving, similar to fetal movement?

Under normal circumstances, sensations of movement in the abdomen resembling fetal movements may be caused by fetal movements, intestinal peristalsis, abdominal aortic pulsation, muscle spasms, intestinal colic, or other reasons. Patients can adjust their diet, maintain adequate water intake, and use medications as directed by a physician. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and follow the physician's instructions for treatment. A detailed analysis is as follows:

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Abdominal pain during late pregnancy, with a feeling of needing to defecate: causes and what to do

Defecation refers to bowel movement, and abdominal pain refers to stomachache. Abdominal pain during late pregnancy accompanied by a sensation of needing to defecate may be caused by gastrointestinal discomfort, fetal head descending into the pelvis and causing pressure, false labor contractions, true labor contractions, placental abruption, or other reasons, and requires appropriate management depending on the specific situation. During late pregnancy, fetal movements should be closely monitored. If fetal movements become excessively frequent or significantly decrease, it may indicate fetal hypoxia, and medical attention should be sought promptly.