The first motion of a foetus in the uterus felt by the mother is known as:

Appeared in: BTSC Staff Nurse 30July-2025

Explanation

Quickening is the specific medical term for the first time a pregnant woman feels her baby move.
It is considered a subjective or presumptive sign of pregnancy because it is based on the mother's personal sensation.
This milestone typically occurs between 16 and 20 weeks of gestation.
Primigravida women (those in their first pregnancy) often feel quickening closer to 18-20 weeks, while multigravida women may feel it earlier, around 16-18 weeks.

Option A: Engagement refers to the descent of the fetal presenting part into the maternal pelvis, a key event in preparation for labor.
Option B: Lightening is the sensation a mother feels when the fetus drops lower into the pelvis, which often relieves pressure on her diaphragm and makes breathing easier.
Option D: Ballottement is not a sensation felt by the mother. It is a diagnostic technique used by a healthcare provider during a bimanual exam to detect a floating fetus in the amniotic fluid.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Subjective (presumptive) signs of pregnancy as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Educating expectant mothers about quickening is a vital part of antenatal care. It is a reassuring milestone that confirms the baby's well-being.
Once quickening is established, nurses teach mothers how to monitor fetal movements (e.g., 'kick counts'). A significant decrease in fetal movement can be an early warning sign of fetal distress and requires immediate medical attention.
What if? If a primigravida mother reports not feeling any fetal movements by 24 weeks of gestation, it would be a clinical concern. The nurse should arrange for an ultrasound to assess fetal viability, growth, and overall well-being.

How to Approach the Question

Identify the core concept of the question: the mother's first sensation of the baby moving.
Analyze the keywords: 'first motion' and 'felt by the mother'. This indicates a subjective experience, not a clinical measurement.
Define each of the four obstetric terms provided in the options.
Engagement: Fetal head entering the pelvis (late pregnancy/labor).
Lightening: Fetus dropping lower in the pelvis (late pregnancy).
Quickening: First fetal movements felt by the mother (mid-pregnancy).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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

E6 Obstetrics Williams p. 20-36

Practise the full BTSC Staff Nurse 30July-2025

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