At what gestational age should a pregnant client expect to begin feeling fetal movements?

Fetal movements, often referred to as "quickening," typically begin to be felt by the mother between 16 to 20 weeks of gestation. This period marks the time when the fetus has developed enough musculature and coordination to produce noticeable movements, which the mother can perceive.

Around 16 weeks, the fetus is still relatively small, and many factors, such as the mother's body type and position of the placenta, can influence when these movements are felt. However, by 20 weeks, most women will have a clearer awareness of fetal movement, especially if it’s their first pregnancy.

In earlier weeks, such as 10 to 14 or 12 to 16 weeks, the fetus is smaller and movements are either nonexistent or too subtle to be felt by the mother. By the time a woman reaches 20 weeks, fetal movements become more pronounced and regular, making it easier for the mother to sense the activity. Therefore, the range of 16 to 20 weeks is considered the standard expectation for when mothers begin to feel these movements.