Fetal movement that is felt by the mother from 18th week of gestation is called ?

RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2022

Obstetrics and Midwifery Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2022

Explanation

Quickening is the medical term for a mother's first perception of fetal movement.
This sensation is often described as a gentle flutter or kick.
For a primigravida (first-time mother), quickening is typically felt around 18 to 20 weeks of gestation.
For a multigravida (a woman who has had previous pregnancies), this sensation may be felt earlier, around 16 to 18 weeks.
It is considered a presumptive sign of pregnancy and provides reassurance of fetal life.

Option B: Braxton Hicks contractions are movements of the uterine muscle, not the fetus. They are irregular, often painless contractions that occur throughout pregnancy.
Option C: Ballottement is not a sensation felt by the mother but a clinical sign elicited by a healthcare provider. It involves tapping the fetus in the amniotic fluid and feeling it rebound.
Option D: Rotation refers to the movements the fetus makes to navigate the birth canal during labor and delivery, such as internal and external rotation of the head. It is not a sensation felt by the mother at 18 weeks.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Terminology for Signs and Sensations in Pregnancy as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
The onset of quickening is a significant emotional milestone for many expectant mothers, strengthening the maternal-fetal bond.
Nurses educate mothers on monitoring fetal movements after quickening has been established. A significant decrease or absence of movement (less than 10 kicks in 2 hours) is a critical warning sign that requires immediate medical evaluation to assess fetal well-being.
What if? If a primigravid woman at 22 weeks reports she has not yet felt any fetal movement, it would warrant further investigation. An ultrasound would be performed to confirm fetal viability, assess fetal anatomy, and verify the gestational age.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key elements in the question: 'fetal movement,' 'felt by the mother,' and the specific timeframe '18th week of gestation.'
Recognize that this is a definition-based recall question asking for the correct medical term for this specific phenomenon.
Evaluate each option against the definition. 'Quickening' is the term for the first perception of fetal movement by the mother.
Rule out the other options by recalling their definitions. 'Braxton Hicks contractions' are uterine contractions, not fetal movements.
'Ballottement' is a diagnostic sign elicited by an examiner, not a maternal sensation.
'Rotation' is a specific movement of the fetus during the mechanism of labor, which occurs much later in pregnancy.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Terminology for Signs and Sensations in Pregnancy
Stem keywords: Fetal movement, felt by the mother, 18th week of gestation
Lead-in keywords: is called
Clinical cues: The specific timing of '18th week' is a key clue, as it aligns perfectly with the typical onset of quickening in a first-time mother.

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E6 Midwifery Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing Sandeep Kaur p. 7-12

E6 Obstetrics Williams p. 68-90