Is fetal movement and trembling a sign of seizures in the baby?

Dec 20, 2021 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I am pregnant, and I occasionally feel fetal movements. Could fetal movement accompanied by trembling indicate that the baby is having a seizure?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Deng Xuanbi
Fetal movement is a normal phenomenon occurring during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. It typically begins around the fourth month of gestation and peaks at approximately 34 weeks. Normal fetal movement frequency is about 3–5 movements per hour, or roughly 40 movements over a 12-hour period. Some pregnant women may experience more frequent fetal movements; however, as long as the movements remain regular, rhythmic, and relatively consistent, this generally indicates normal fetal development. However, if fetal movement suddenly increases markedly—resembling trembling—this is not due to fetal convulsions but may instead indicate fetal hypoxia (oxygen deprivation). In such cases, prompt ultrasound examination is essential to accurately assess the fetal condition.