The first fetal movement felt by the mother is known as—

UPUMS Nsg.Officer-2024

Obstetrics and Midwifery Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: UPUMS Nsg.Officer-2024

Explanation

Quickening is the specific medical term for the first time a mother perceives fetal movement.
This sensation is often described as a gentle flutter, bubbling, or gas-like feeling in the abdomen.
It typically occurs between 16 and 20 weeks of gestation. For a primigravida (first-time mother), it may be felt closer to 18-20 weeks, while a multigravida (mother who has been pregnant before) may recognize it earlier, around 16 weeks.

Option A: Engagement refers to a specific event in the labor process, not the sensation of fetal movement. It describes when the fetal head has entered the pelvic inlet.
Option B: Lightening is the sensation of relief a mother feels when the fetus drops lower into the pelvis, which eases pressure on her diaphragm. It is not the feeling of the baby moving.
Option D: Ballottement is a diagnostic technique performed by a healthcare provider, not a sensation felt by the mother. The examiner taps the uterus, causing the fetus to float up and then rebound back, which is felt by the examiner's fingers.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain This question tests the knowledge of specific terminology used to describe physiological events and maternal perceptions during pregnancy as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
For a nurse, asking a pregnant woman about quickening is an important part of the antenatal assessment. It provides reassurance of fetal well-being and is a key data point for confirming gestational age.
The timing of quickening can help in calculating the estimated date of delivery (EDD) using Naegele's rule if the last menstrual period (LMP) is unknown or unreliable.
A significant decrease or absence of fetal movement after quickening has been established is a warning sign that requires immediate medical evaluation to rule out fetal distress or demise.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that requires knowledge of specific obstetric terminology.
Read the question carefully, focusing on the keywords: 'first fetal movement' and 'felt by the mother'.
Evaluate each option based on its definition in the context of pregnancy and labor.
Recall that 'Quickening' is the specific term for the initial perception of fetal life by the mother.
Differentiate 'Quickening' from other terms: 'Engagement' and 'Lightening' are related to the fetal position late in pregnancy, and 'Ballottement' is a clinical examination technique.
Select the option that directly matches the description in the question stem.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: This question tests the knowledge of specific terminology used to describe physiological events and maternal perceptions during pregnancy.
Stem keywords: fetal movement, mother, first
Lead-in keywords: known as

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