quickening (the flutters/kicking &c)

[Theseus]

Some women call it ’the pregnancy flutters’, since many women describe feeling their baby move for the first time.

Other ways to describe it include ‘tapping/ gentle swirling/ little gas bubbles popping/ a slight shifting movement/ kicks/ light rolls/ tumbles.)
Obviously, there is the objective description, like δίνω τα σημεία ζωής or οι πρώται κινήσεις του εμβρύου στην μήτρα/κοιλιά. But how do Greek mothers describe the sensation? κλοτσιές; φτερούγισμα; It used to be thought that quickening was the moment when the soul entered the body or, technically, ‘ensoulment’. Aristotle notoriously called a slave κτήμα έμψυχον: a chattel ensouled’.

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[cougr]

But how do Greek mothers describe the sensation? κλοτσιές; φτερούγισμα;

I think you've covered most of the commonest terms used, ie. κινήσεις, φτερούγισμα, κλοτσιές. I'm also aware of "σουβλιές", "τσιμπήματα", "σαλεύει το μωρό", "φυσαλίδες που σκάνε", "ψαράκια", "δάκτυλο που με τρυπάει" etc. I'm sure there'll be a few more.

 

[Theseus]

Thanks, so much, cougr! All these terms are worth remembering. It is of interest perhaps that in St Luke’s gospel I, vss 1 & 44 σκίρτησε is used, δηλ. ’leapt for joy’.

 

[cougr]

True, Theseus. Now that you mention it, I do recall occasionally having heard pregnant women say, for example, "το μωρό σκιρτάει/σκιρτούσε". Doctors also often refer to them as "σκιρτήματα".

 

[Theseus]

Thanks again, cougr.