The fetal movement felt by the mother is called

Appeared in: NHM UP Staff Nurse-2021 Shift-1st

Explanation

Quickening is the specific medical term for the first fetal movements that the mother can feel.
This is a subjective sensation, often described as a flutter, gas bubble, or gentle kick.
It is classified as a presumptive sign of pregnancy because it is based on the mother's personal experience rather than an objective finding by a healthcare provider.
Typically, it is first noticed between 16 and 20 weeks of gestation, varying between first-time mothers and those with previous pregnancies.

Option A: Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular, painless uterine contractions. They are related to the uterus, not the fetus's movement.
Option C: Goodell's sign is the softening of the cervix, an objective change detected by a healthcare provider during a pelvic exam. It is not a sensation felt by the mother.
Option D: Hegar's sign is the softening of the lower uterine segment (isthmus). Like Goodell's sign, it is an objective sign found by an examiner and not a fetal movement felt by the mother.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Terminology of Pregnancy Signs as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Educating expectant mothers about quickening is a key part of antenatal care. It helps them understand their pregnancy milestones and provides reassurance.
The timing of quickening can be a helpful, though not precise, indicator in estimating gestational age, especially if the last menstrual period is uncertain.
A mother's report of fetal movement is a vital sign of fetal well-being. Nurses instruct mothers to monitor these movements daily later in pregnancy.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question: it's asking for the specific term for 'fetal movement felt by the mother'.
Recognize this as a factual recall question common in obstetrics, requiring knowledge of specific terminology.
Systematically review each option and define it based on your knowledge of pregnancy signs.
Option A, Braxton Hicks, relates to uterine contractions.
Options C and D, Goodell's and Hegar's signs, relate to physical changes in the cervix and uterus detected by an examiner.
Option B, Quickening, directly matches the definition of the mother's first perception of fetal movement. Select this as the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Midwifery Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing Sandeep Kaur pp. 6-11, 7-12

E6 Comprehensive Textbook of Community Health Nursing for BSc Nursing Students Part 2 — Subpart B (pp 276-535 of 550) p. 224-226

Practise the full NHM UP Staff Nurse-2021 Shift-1st

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