The first perception of active fetal movement felt by the mother during pregnancy is known as?

Appeared in: AIIMS Patna NO - 2020

Explanation

Quickening is the medical term for the first time a mother feels her fetus move.
This milestone typically occurs during the second trimester, between 16 and 20 weeks of gestation.
Primigravida (first-time mothers) usually feel it around 18-20 weeks, while multigravida (mothers who have been pregnant before) may feel it earlier, around 16-18 weeks.
The sensation is often described as a gentle flutter, bubbles, or light tapping, which is different from the stronger kicks felt later in pregnancy.

Option A: Engagement refers to the descent of the fetal presenting part (usually the head) into the pelvic inlet. It is a positional change, not a perception of movement.
Option B: Hastening is not a standard term used in obstetrics or midwifery to describe any event during pregnancy.
Option D: Lightening is the subjective sensation a mother feels when the fetus 'drops' lower into the pelvis. This relieves pressure on the diaphragm, making breathing easier.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Terminology of fetal movements and positions in pregnancy as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses use the date of quickening as a data point to help confirm or estimate the gestational age and expected date of delivery (EDD), especially if the last menstrual period is uncertain.
The onset of quickening provides significant psychological reassurance to the expectant mother about the baby's life and well-being.
A nurse should educate the mother that after quickening, she should become aware of a general pattern of fetal movement. A significant decrease in movement later in pregnancy should be reported immediately.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question. It asks for the specific term for the first time a mother feels the fetus move.
Analyze the keywords: 'first perception' and 'active fetal movement' are the crucial phrases.
Evaluate each option based on your knowledge of obstetrical terminology.
Recall or deduce the definitions: 'Quickening' specifically refers to this first sensation of movement.
Differentiate 'Quickening' from other terms. 'Lightening' and 'Engagement' are related to the baby's position change late in pregnancy, not initial movement.
Eliminate 'Hastening' as it is not a standard medical term in this context. This leaves 'Quickening' as the only correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QBNQebzE0ELfdfCW4NOa70

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

E6 Obstetrics Williams p. 20-36

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