First active fetal movement perceived by the mother is known as

RRB Nsg. Superintendent-20 July 2019 (Shift-3rd)

Obstetrics & Gynecology

Easy

Appeared in: RRB Nsg. Superintendent-20 July 2019 (Shift-3rd)

Explanation

Quickening is the specific term for the first time a pregnant woman feels her baby move.
This is a subjective sensation, often described as a gentle flutter or bubbling feeling.
It typically occurs between 16 and 20 weeks of gestation.
For first-time mothers (primigravidas), it may be felt closer to 20 weeks, while for mothers who have been pregnant before (multigravidas), it can be as early as 16 weeks.

Option A: Internal ballottement is not a sensation felt by the mother. It is an objective clinical sign elicited by a healthcare provider during a pelvic examination to check for a floating fetus.
Option B: Lightening refers to the sensation a mother feels when the fetus drops lower into the pelvis, which happens late in the third trimester, not the first perception of movement.
Option C: Engagement is a clinical determination made by a healthcare provider, not a feeling perceived by the mother. It signifies that the widest part of the baby's presenting part has passed through the pelvic inlet.

Visual 1: Timeline Diagram - An infographic showing the timeline of a 40-week pregnancy, highlighting when quickening, lightening, and engagement typically occur.
Visual 2: Illustration - A simple drawing comparing the fetal position before and after lightening to help visualize the concept.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Terminology of pregnancy milestones as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Educating expectant mothers about quickening is a crucial part of antenatal care. It reassures them of the baby's well-being and helps them bond with the fetus.
Nurses should instruct mothers to start monitoring fetal movements (kick counts) daily from around 28 weeks. A significant decrease in fetal movement can be an early sign of fetal distress and requires immediate medical evaluation.
It's important to differentiate between subjective symptoms like quickening and objective signs like engagement, as they have different clinical implications and are assessed differently.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key phrase in the question: "first active fetal movement perceived by the mother."
Recognize that the question is asking for a specific obstetrical term for a subjective maternal experience.
Evaluate each option based on its definition.
Internal ballottement and Engagement are objective signs assessed by a healthcare provider, so they can be eliminated.
Lightening is a sensation felt by the mother, but it relates to the baby dropping into the pelvis late in pregnancy, not the first movement.
Quickening is the precise term for the first perception of fetal movement. Therefore, it is the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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