A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who is pregnant and whose routine diagnostic testing reveals a negative rubella titer.
Which of the following statements should the nurse tell the client?

Choice A rationale:

Urinary retention is not a typical sign preceding the onset of labor. It's important to provide accurate information to the client, and this statement is not relevant to signs of impending labor.

Choice B rationale:

A decrease in vaginal discharge is not a typical sign preceding the onset of labor. The client should be informed about changes in cervical mucus, which is part of the mucus plug, but a decrease in vaginal discharge is not a specific indicator of impending labor.

Choice C rationale:

Experiencing a surge of energy is not a typical sign preceding the onset of labor. Some clients may report increased energy before labor, but it's not a reliable indicator for all.

Choice D rationale:

Having a weight gain of 0.5 to 1.5 kilograms is a sign that precedes the onset of labor. This weight gain is often attributed to increased amniotic fluid or edema and is associated with impending labor. This choice is the correct answer.

Choice A rationale:

Quickening occurs between the first and second months of pregnancy. This statement is incorrect. Quickening is the term used to describe the first sensations of fetal movement, which usually occur between the 18th and 20th weeks of pregnancy. During the first and second months of pregnancy, the fetus is too small for the mother to feel any movement. This choice is inaccurate.

Choice B rationale:

Quickening occurs between the fourth and fifth months of pregnancy. This is the correct choice. Quickening typically occurs between the 18th and 20th weeks of pregnancy. It marks an important milestone in pregnancy when the mother can start feeling the baby's movements. This is a key point to include in teaching.

Choice C rationale:

Quickening starts soon after implantation. This statement is inaccurate. Quickening does not occur immediately after implantation. Implantation typically occurs around 6-10 days after fertilization. Quickening happens much later in pregnancy, as previously mentioned, between the fourth and fifth months.

Choice D rationale:

Quickening starts during the last weeks of pregnancy. This statement is also incorrect. Quickening is a term used to describe the first movements of the fetus, and it occurs during the second trimester of pregnancy, not during the last weeks. This choice is not accurate.