Quickening usually occurs at:

Appeared in: DSSSB 14 August 2024

Explanation

Quickening is the term for the first time a pregnant woman feels fetal movements, often described as a fluttering sensation.
This milestone typically occurs between 16 and 20 weeks of gestation.
For women in their first pregnancy (primigravidae), quickening is usually felt around 18-20 weeks.
For women who have been pregnant before (multigravidae), it is often felt earlier, around 16-18 weeks, because they recognize the sensation.
The 16-20 week option correctly covers the typical range for both groups.

Option A: At 8-12 weeks, the fetus is too small and its movements are too slight to be perceived by the mother, although movement can be seen on an ultrasound.
Option B: While fetal movement is more active, it is generally still too early for most mothers, especially primigravidae, to feel quickening. Some multiparous women might feel it at the very end of this range, but 16-20 weeks is more typical.
Option C: By 24-28 weeks, fetal movements are strong, regular, and easily palpable. Quickening refers to the first perception of movement, which happens much earlier.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Timing of Quickening in Pregnancy as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Quickening is a reassuring sign for expectant mothers, confirming the presence of a live fetus.
It serves as a clinical marker to help confirm or adjust the estimated date of delivery (EDD), especially if the date of the last menstrual period is uncertain.
A significant decrease or absence of fetal movement after quickening has been established is a warning sign that requires prompt medical evaluation to assess fetal well-being.

How to Approach the Question

Identify the key term in the question: 'Quickening'.
Recall the definition of quickening: the first time a mother perceives fetal movement.
Remember the typical gestational age range for this event, considering the difference between a first pregnancy (primigravida) and subsequent pregnancies (multigravida).
A primigravida usually feels it around 18-20 weeks, while a multigravida feels it earlier, around 16-18 weeks.
Evaluate the given options to find the one that best encompasses this entire time frame.
The 16-20 week range is the most accurate and inclusive choice.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Midwifery Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing Sandeep Kaur p. 50-60

E6 Obstetrics Williams p. 20-36

Practise the full DSSSB 14 August 2024

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