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At what gestational age is it typical for a woman to first feel fetal movements?

  1. 16 to 18 weeks

  2. 18 to 20 weeks

  3. 20 to 22 weeks

  4. 24 to 26 weeks

The correct answer is: 18 to 20 weeks

Feeling fetal movements, often referred to as "quickening," is a significant milestone in pregnancy. Typically, it occurs between 18 to 20 weeks of gestation for most women, although individual experiences may vary. During this period, the fetus becomes more active and begins to move in a way that can be felt by the mother. By 18 weeks, especially for women who have been pregnant before, movements may be perceived as flutters, while first-time mothers might notice these sensations a bit later. By around 20 weeks, the movements become more pronounced and are usually more easily identifiable. This timeframe aligns with the development of the fetus, as it grows larger and stronger, thus producing noticeable movements. Factors like maternal weight and position can also influence the perception of fetal movements, but the 18 to 20 weeks window remains the standard expectation for first fetal movements.