Multigravida mother feels first fetal movements (quickening) at how many weeks of gestation?

Appeared in: AIIMS Raipur NO- 2019 (shift 3rd)

Explanation

Quickening is the term used for the first time a mother perceives fetal movement, often described as a fluttering sensation.
In multigravida women (those who have been pregnant before), this sensation is typically recognized earlier because of their previous experience.
The expected timeframe for quickening in a multigravida woman is between 16 and 18 weeks of gestation.
Therefore, 16 weeks is the most appropriate answer among the given options.

Option B: This is the average time a primigravida (first-time mother) feels quickening, not a multigravida.
Option C: By 24 weeks, fetal movements are typically well-established and should have been felt much earlier. This is too late for the first perception of movement (quickening).
Option D: Although the fetus is moving at 12 weeks, the movements are too slight and the uterus is too small for the mother to perceive them.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Timing of quickening in multigravida pregnancy as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
The onset of quickening is a significant and reassuring milestone for expectant mothers, providing tangible evidence of the baby's presence and well-being.
Nurses should educate expectant mothers about the expected timing of quickening, differentiating between first-time and subsequent pregnancies to manage expectations and reduce anxiety.
A 'What if?' scenario: If a primigravida woman reports no fetal movement by 24 weeks, it would be a cause for concern requiring immediate evaluation, such as a non-stress test (NST) or biophysical profile, to assess fetal well-being.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'Multigravida mother' and 'first fetal movements (quickening)'.
Recall the definition of quickening as the first time the mother feels the fetus move.
Remember that there is a difference in the timing of quickening based on whether the mother is a primigravida (first pregnancy) or multigravida (subsequent pregnancy).
Recall that experienced (multigravida) mothers tend to feel these movements earlier than first-time mothers.
Access your knowledge base for the specific timeframes: multigravida is 16-18 weeks, and primigravida is 18-20 weeks.
Select the option that best fits the timeframe for a multigravida woman.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Timing of quickening in multigravida pregnancy
Stem keywords: Multigravida, first fetal movements, quickening, weeks of gestation
Lead-in keywords: how many

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E6 Midwifery Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing Sandeep Kaur pp. 7-12, 50-60

Practise the full AIIMS Raipur NO- 2019 (shift 3rd)

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