What does the term "quickening" refer to in pregnancy?

The term "quickening" specifically refers to the sensation of fetal movement that is first felt by the mother. This experience typically occurs during the second trimester, generally between 16 to 25 weeks of gestation. For many pregnant individuals, feeling the baby move is an important milestone in pregnancy, as it signifies that the fetus is developing and becoming more active.

The other choices do not describe quickening accurately. The first ultrasound confirmation of pregnancy is an early diagnostic tool to visualize the fetus but does not relate to the mother's physical sensations. Subsequent detection of a fetal heartbeat is related but refers to an auditory confirmation through medical equipment, not a physical sensation felt by the mother. The final stage of labor preparation does not relate to quickening at all, as quickening occurs much earlier in the pregnancy timeline. Thus, the correct understanding of quickening as fetal movements felt by the mother plays a critical role in recognizing and monitoring fetal health during pregnancy.