Question:

I am 6 months pregnant and it seems like my baby is more active when I am hungry. Is this something to worry about? Is she getting enough nutrients?

Answered by OB-GYN Melissa Mathes, MD: 

Passive fetal activity begins as early as seven weeks and continues to become more coordinated and robust throughout pregnancy. The fetal movements increase in frequency and intensity to about 32 to 34 weeks. After this time, some women will have a subjective decreased frequency and intensity of fetal movement. It is normal to have "rest-wake" cycles. In these cycles, the fetus is active and then spends time resting. These cycles are typically about 20 minutes in length. This cycling of movement followed by less movement that you are describing is normal and is unlikely to be associated with lack of nutrients.

Also, in pregnancy, many women require more frequent, smaller meals with an equal distribution of carbohydrates. Make sure each meal consists of a lean protein, fruit and/or vegetable and small complex carbohydrate.