For a patient with a history of pregnancy, quickening typically occurs earlier than in a first pregnancy. Which range is plausible for quickening in such a case?

• A. 14-16 weeks
• B. 18-20 weeks
• C. 22-24 weeks
• D. 26-28 weeks

Answer: (A)

Quickening is the mother’s perception of fetal movement. In someone who has had previous pregnancies, she often recognizes movement earlier because she’s more attuned to the sensation and the uterus responds to fetal activity more readily. That’s why 14-16 weeks is the plausible range for quickening in a patient with a history of pregnancy. In a first pregnancy, quickening tends to be felt a bit later, around 18-20 weeks. The later ranges (18-20, 22-24, 26-28 weeks) are more typical for first pregnancies or for delayed perception, not for someone with prior pregnancies.