First fetal movement felt by the mother is known as?

Appeared in: RRB Staff Nurse Mumbai-2015

Explanation

Quickening is the medical term for the first time a mother perceives the movements of her fetus.
This sensation is often described as a gentle flutter, kick, or swish.
In a primigravida (first pregnancy), quickening is typically felt around 18-20 weeks of gestation.
In a multigravida (subsequent pregnancies), it is often felt earlier, around 16-18 weeks, because the mother is more experienced in recognizing the sensation.

Option A: Lightning refers to the sensation of the fetal head descending into the pelvis late in pregnancy, which relieves pressure on the diaphragm but increases pressure on the bladder. It is not related to the initial perception of fetal movement.
Option C: Ballottement is a probable sign of pregnancy detected by a healthcare provider during a vaginal examination. It involves tapping the cervix and feeling the fetus rebound. It is a clinical finding, not a sensation felt by the mother.
Option D: Engagement is the event when the largest diameter of the fetal presenting part (usually the head) passes through the pelvic inlet. It is a specific milestone of labor progression, not the first feeling of movement.

Visual 1: Infographic: Chart comparing presumptive, probable, and positive signs of pregnancy, highlighting where quickening falls.
Visual 2: Diagram: Illustration showing the difference between an unengaged fetal head and an engaged fetal head to clarify the concepts of lightening and engagement.

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.
Quickening is a key milestone documented in antenatal records. It serves as a presumptive sign of pregnancy and helps in confirming gestational age, especially when the last menstrual period is uncertain.
Nurses must educate expectant mothers about the significance of fetal movements. After quickening, mothers should be aware of their baby's movement patterns. A significant decrease in fetal movement can be a warning sign of fetal distress and requires immediate medical evaluation.
The 'Count to 10' method is a common way to monitor fetal well-being in the third trimester. The mother should feel at least 10 distinct movements within a 2-hour period.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of obstetric terminology.
Read the question carefully to identify the key phrase: 'first fetal movement felt by the mother'.
Define each option in your mind.
Lightning: Baby 'dropping' into the pelvis.
Quickening: First perception of fetal movement.
Ballottement: Examiner's finding of a rebounding fetus.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QD3-P5E_IAh1p1aN-SfP_R

Practise the full RRB Staff Nurse Mumbai-2015

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