At what gestational age do most first-time mothers typically begin to feel fetal movement?

Most first-time mothers typically begin to feel fetal movement around 20 weeks of gestation. This phenomenon, often referred to as "quickening," marks an important and exciting moment in pregnancy when the mother can start to perceive the baby's movements. For first-time mothers, movements can be less noticeable earlier in the pregnancy, and they might not recognize them as fetal movement until they are approximately 20 weeks along.

At this gestational age, the fetus has developed sufficiently to perform movements that are strong enough for the mother to feel. It’s also important to note that timing can vary for each individual; some experienced mothers may detect fetal movements slightly earlier, around 16 to 18 weeks, due to their familiarity with the feeling. However, for first-time mothers, 20 weeks is the point when it becomes more common and recognizable.

The other options, while they represent gestational ages when some movement may be felt, do not align with the typical experience for most first-time mothers. Therefore, the choice of 20 weeks accurately reflects the general consensus in obstetric guidelines and maternal health literature regarding when fetal movement is commonly detected.