Which sign indicates that an experienced clinician can feel fetal movement during an exam?

Which sign indicates that an experienced clinician can feel fetal movement during an exam?

• A. Amenorrhea
• B. Audible fetal heartbeat
• C. Fetal movement felt by examiner
• D. Urinary frequency

Answer: (C)

Feeling fetal movement by the examiner is known as "quickening," and it is a significant sign during a clinical examination that indicates fetal well-being and activity. When an experienced clinician palpates the mother's abdomen and can directly feel the fetus moving, it confirms that the fetus is alive and responsive. This finding is typically observed in later stages of pregnancy when the fetus has developed enough strength to produce easily detectable movements. The capability to assess fetal movement through the abdomen demonstrates the clinician's expertise and affirms the fetus's normal development and health. Other options reflect different aspects of pregnancy but do not indicate the palpable activity of the fetus. Amenorrhea refers to the absence of menstruation and is a common early sign of pregnancy but does not provide information about fetal health. An audible fetal heartbeat is also an important indication of fetal well-being but does not involve the clinician feeling the fetus directly. Urinary frequency can occur during pregnancy but is related to physiological changes rather than fetal activity. Therefore, the only option that directly reflects the experienced clinician's ability to feel fetal movement during an exam is the correct choice.

Feeling fetal movement by the examiner is known as "quickening," and it is a significant sign during a clinical examination that indicates fetal well-being and activity. When an experienced clinician palpates the mother's abdomen and can directly feel the fetus moving, it confirms that the fetus is alive and responsive. This finding is typically observed in later stages of pregnancy when the fetus has developed enough strength to produce easily detectable movements. The capability to assess fetal movement through the abdomen demonstrates the clinician's expertise and affirms the fetus's normal development and health.

Other options reflect different aspects of pregnancy but do not indicate the palpable activity of the fetus. Amenorrhea refers to the absence of menstruation and is a common early sign of pregnancy but does not provide information about fetal health. An audible fetal heartbeat is also an important indication of fetal well-being but does not involve the clinician feeling the fetus directly. Urinary frequency can occur during pregnancy but is related to physiological changes rather than fetal activity. Therefore, the only option that directly reflects the experienced clinician's ability to feel fetal movement during an exam is the correct choice.