The first fetal movement felt by the mother is called?

Appeared in: Tripura CHO - 2021

Explanation

Quickening is the medical term for the first time a mother feels her baby move.
It is often described as a gentle fluttering, bubbling, or tickling sensation in the abdomen.
For first-time mothers (primigravida), quickening is typically felt between 18 and 20 weeks of gestation.
For mothers who have been pregnant before (multigravida), it can be felt earlier, often between 16 and 18 weeks, as they are more familiar with the sensation.
While it is a probable sign of pregnancy, it is subjective and can sometimes be confused with gas or other internal movements.

Option A: Lightening refers to the sensation a pregnant woman feels when the baby's head descends into the pelvis in preparation for labor. It is not related to fetal movement.
Option C: Chloasma, also known as the 'mask of pregnancy,' is a skin change involving hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) on the face. It is not related to fetal movement.
Option D: Linea nigra is a dark, vertical line that develops on the abdomen, running from the navel to the pubic bone. It is a common skin change during pregnancy and is not related to fetal movement.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Terminology for signs and symptoms of pregnancy as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Clinically, the date of quickening can be used to help estimate the due date, although it is less accurate than an ultrasound.
It is an important milestone for maternal-fetal bonding and provides psychological reassurance to the expectant mother about the baby's health.
A nurse should educate the expectant mother about what quickening feels like and when to expect it, differentiating it from other abdominal sensations.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of specific obstetric terminology.
First, identify the key phrase in the question: 'first fetal movement felt by the mother'.
Next, recall the definitions of the different signs of pregnancy provided in the options.
Evaluate each option: 'Lightening' is the baby dropping, 'Chloasma' and 'Linea nigra' are skin changes.
Identify 'Quickening' as the correct term that specifically describes the initial perception of fetal movement.
Confirm your choice by remembering that quickening is a classic, albeit subjective, sign of pregnancy occurring around 16-20 weeks.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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

E6 Midwifery Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing Sandeep Kaur p. 7-12

Practise the full Tripura CHO - 2021

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