What event occurring in the second trimester helps the expectant mother to accept the pregnancy?

RAK Nursing Officer - 2019

Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Easy

Appeared in: RAK Nursing Officer - 2019

Explanation

Quickening is the first perception of fetal movements by the mother.
It typically occurs during the second trimester, between 16 and 20 weeks of gestation (earlier for multigravida, later for primigravida).
This tangible sensation of life makes the pregnancy more real and concrete for the mother.
It is a significant psychological milestone that strengthens maternal-fetal attachment and facilitates the acceptance of the pregnancy.

Option A: Lightening occurs in the third trimester, not the second. It is the descent of the fetal head into the pelvis, which changes the mother's physical sensations (e.g., easier breathing, increased urinary frequency) but is not the primary event for initial psychological acceptance.
Option B: Ballottement is an objective sign of pregnancy detected by a healthcare examiner, not a subjective experience felt by the mother. The examiner feels the fetus rebound upon tapping the uterus. It does not directly contribute to the mother's psychological acceptance.
Option C: Pseudocyesis is a false pregnancy. It is a psychological condition where a woman has the signs and symptoms of pregnancy without actually being pregnant. Therefore, it is unrelated to accepting a real pregnancy.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Maternal psychological adaptation during the second trimester of pregnancy as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a crucial role in educating expectant mothers about the normal progression of pregnancy, including milestones like quickening. This helps alleviate anxiety and normalizes the experience.
Assessing for maternal-fetal attachment is a key component of antenatal care. Inquiring about the mother's perception of fetal movements is a way to open this conversation.
The absence of quickening by 22-24 weeks can be a red flag requiring further investigation to assess fetal well-being.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key phrases in the question: 'second trimester' and 'helps the expectant mother to accept the pregnancy'.
Evaluate each option based on its timing. 'Lightening' occurs in the third trimester, so it can be eliminated.
Next, evaluate the remaining options based on who experiences the event. 'Ballottement' is a sign elicited by a healthcare provider, not the mother, so it's less likely to be the primary factor for the mother's acceptance.
Consider the nature of the event. 'Pseudocyesis' is a false pregnancy, which is the opposite of the question's context.
'Quickening' is the mother's own perception of fetal life, occurs in the second trimester, and is widely recognized as a powerful bonding experience. This makes it the best fit.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Maternal psychological adaptation during the second trimester of pregnancy.
Stem keywords: second trimester, expectant mother, accept the pregnancy
Lead-in keywords: What event
Negative lead-in flag: false

QA76z5bILC6Gc-hzGn3J27

E6 Midwifery Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing Sandeep Kaur p. 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