In a multiparous patient, quickening may be felt as early as which gestational age?

In a multiparous patient, quickening may be felt as early as which gestational age?

• A. 6 to 8 weeks.
• B. 14 to 20 weeks.
• C. 20 to 24 weeks.
• D. 8 to 12 weeks.

Answer: (B)

Quickening is the mother’s perception of fetal movement. In a multiparous patient, previous pregnancies make her more attuned to early fetal activity, so movement can be felt earlier than in first pregnancies. The typical window for a multipara is about 14 to 20 weeks, which is why this range is the best answer. Movements that early (6–8 weeks or 8–12 weeks) are not realistic, and waiting until 20–24 weeks misses the usual earlier sensation seen in women who have had prior pregnancies.

Quickening is the mother’s perception of fetal movement. In a multiparous patient, previous pregnancies make her more attuned to early fetal activity, so movement can be felt earlier than in first pregnancies. The typical window for a multipara is about 14 to 20 weeks, which is why this range is the best answer. Movements that early (6–8 weeks or 8–12 weeks) are not realistic, and waiting until 20–24 weeks misses the usual earlier sensation seen in women who have had prior pregnancies.