In which stage of pregnancy does quickening typically occur?

Quickening refers to the first noticeable movements of the fetus felt by the mother, and it typically occurs during the second trimester of pregnancy. This timing aligns with the development of the fetus, as by the end of the first trimester, the fetus is sufficiently developed but is still quite small, making movements less detectable to the mother. As the pregnancy progresses into the second trimester, the fetus grows larger and stronger, which allows the mother to feel these movements clearly, commonly between 16 to 25 weeks of gestation.

It is during this stage that women may experience a range of sensations, from gentle flutters to more pronounced kicks, which can enhance the emotional connection to the pregnancy and provide reassurance of the baby's growth and vitality. The subsequent stages, such as the third trimester, involve more pronounced and frequent fetal movements, but the initial recognition of these movements, known as quickening, is predominantly noted in the second trimester.