At what point in time is "quickening" typically felt by the mother?

Prepare for the UWorld Maternity Test with comprehensive flashcards and multiple-choice questions, complete with detailed explanations. Get ready to ace your exam with confidence!

Quickening refers to the first noticeable movements of the fetus that the mother can feel. Typically, this sensation is experienced between the weeks of 16 and 25 of pregnancy. For first-time mothers, it may occur closer to 25 weeks, while those who have been pregnant before might feel it as early as 16 weeks.

This period is significant because it marks an important connection between the mother and the fetus, enhancing maternal-fetal bonding. Feeling quickening is also a positive indicator of fetal health and activity, as it signifies that the fetus is developing and moving as expected.

In contrast to the other options, quickening does not happen after the first trimester, during the last month of pregnancy, or at the time of delivery. The sensations are an early indication of fetal development rather than a later stage event.

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