Nokea
A patient who is 16 weeks pregnant with her first baby asks how long it will be before she
feels the baby move. Which is the nurse’s best answer?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Maternal perception of fetal movement (quickening) usually begins between 17 and 20 weeks
after conception. Because this is her first pregnancy, movement is felt toward the later part of
the 17 to 20 weeks. “The baby is moving, but you can’t feel it yet” may be alarming to the
woman. “Some babies are quiet and you don’t feel them move” is a true statement; the fetus’
movements are not strong enough to be felt until 17 to 20 weeks; however, this statement does
not answer the woman’s concern. Fetal movement should be felt between 17 and 20 weeks; if
movement is not perceptible by the end of that time, further assessment will be necessary.