A pregnant client asks the nurse in the clinic when she will be able to begin feel the fetus move. The

nurse responds by telling the mother that fetal movements will be noted between which weeks of

gestation ?

Appeared in: NORCET 1 - 2020

Explanation

The correct timeframe for a mother to first feel fetal movements, known as quickening, is between 14 and 18 weeks of gestation.
This range accounts for variations between first-time mothers (primigravidas) and mothers who have been pregnant before (multigravidas).
Multigravida women tend to feel quickening earlier, often between 14-18 weeks, because they are familiar with the sensation.
Primigravida women typically feel quickening slightly later, around 18-20 weeks, but the 14-18 week range is the best general answer provided.

Option A: At 6-8 weeks, the embryo is extremely small, and while cardiac activity has begun, its movements are microscopic and cannot be felt by the mother.
Option B: At 8-10 weeks, the fetus is still too small and its movements are too weak to be perceived through the uterine and abdominal walls.
Option C: According to textbook sources, between 10 and 12 weeks, the fetus begins small, random movements that are explicitly described as 'too slight to be felt by the mother.'.

Visual 1: Timeline Diagram - A visual timeline of pregnancy showing key fetal development milestones, with a highlighted section for 'Quickening' between 14-20 weeks to illustrate when mothers typically first feel movement.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Use the key finding related to Timing of Quickening (Maternal Perception of Fetal Movement) to guide bedside assessment, documentation, and the next nursing action.
Quickening is a reassuring sign for expectant mothers, confirming the presence of a live and active fetus.
It can be used as a secondary method to help confirm the estimated date of delivery, especially if the date of the last menstrual period is uncertain.
Nurses should educate clients that after quickening, they should become aware of their baby's movement patterns. A significant decrease in fetal movement later in pregnancy (after 28 weeks) should be reported immediately as it can be a sign of fetal distress.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key phrase in the question: 'begin to feel the fetus move'.
Recognize that this refers to the specific pregnancy milestone called 'quickening'.
Recall the typical gestational age for quickening. Remember that there's a difference between when the fetus starts moving (very early) and when the mother can actually feel it.
Consider the difference between a first-time mother (primigravida) and a mother with previous pregnancies (multigravida). Multigravidas often feel it earlier.
Evaluate the options based on this knowledge. Options A, B, and C (6-12 weeks) are too early for maternal perception.
Select the option that best encompasses the typical range for quickening, which is 14-18 weeks, covering the earlier perception in multigravidas and the start of the range for primigravidas.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Timing of Quickening (Maternal Perception of Fetal Movement)
Stem keywords: pregnant client, feel the fetus move, fetal movements, weeks of gestation
Lead-in keywords: when, between which weeks
Clinical cues: Age/sex group narrows the expected diagnosis, intervention, or normal reference range.
Negative lead-in flag: false

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Practise the full NORCET 1 - 2020

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.