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Epilepsy is a central nervous system (neurological) disorder characterized by unusual seizures that recur without a trigger. Epilepsy can happen to anyone, including children. In some cases, epilepsy can occur in infants or the fetus is still in the womb. How can this happen and what is the way to detect the fetus from the womb? Check out the following explanation.
Detecting fetal epilepsy from the womb
The fetus in the womb often shows movements that a mother can feel. Normal fetal movements usually occur ten or more times every two hours.
However, fetal movements in the womb are not always normal. In the studies conductedJournal of Korean Medical Science,a 35-year-old mother reported that the movement of the fetus she was carrying became more rapid and repetitive after 28 weeks of gestation.
At 30 weeks of gestation, the movements become very extreme, until at 36 weeks of gestation, the baby in her womb must be delivered by caesarean section. In fact, seizures in these babies often occur after birth.
The study concluded that abnormal fetal movements are a sign the fetus is having a seizure. Fetal seizures occur repeatedly throughout the body and at a frequency that varies from two movements per second to several times per minute.
The most common cause of convulsions in the fetus is the presence of congenital anomalies or abnormal conditions when the fetus is developing in the womb. This condition can be a sign of a neurological disease, such as epilepsy.
To detect epilepsy, doctors usually go through an ultrasonography (USG) procedure during pregnancy. Through ultrasound, abnormal movements of the fetus can be detected. That way, parents and doctors can be prepared if the seizure condition occurs again when the baby is born.
Prevent epilepsy since the fetus is in the womb
Epilepsy can occur when a mother experiences problems during pregnancy that cause impaired fetal brain development. Therefore, to prevent this from happening, a mother should adopt a healthy lifestyle before and during pregnancy.
The following steps can be taken so that the baby remains healthy during the womb and after birth:
- Avoid smoking, alcohol, and exposure to other harmful substances.
- Meet nutritional intake for pregnant women by consuming healthy foods and drinks, such as fruits, vegetables, protein, low-fat milk, and whole grains.
- Routine control to the obstetrician.
- Do not take medicine carelessly.
- Avoid stress during pregnancy.
- Taking supplements that are good for fetal brain development, such as folic acid and iron.
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