Frequent foetal movements can be simply a result of high fetal activity in the womb and can occur in the early stages of acute asphyxia. The key to distinguishing between frequent fetal movements that are physiological and those caused by hypoxic asphyxia is continued observation. If subsequent fetal movements continue to decrease or even disappear, then acute asphyxia needs to be considered and medical attention needs to be sought as soon as possible.