LICENSED MIDWIFE EXAM QUESTION
AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A
INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. Which hormone is primarily responsible for uterine contractions during
labor?
A. Progesterone
B. Estrogen
C. Prolactin
D. Oxytocin
Answer: D. Oxytocin
Rationale: Oxytocin stimulates uterine muscle contractions and plays a
key role in the progression of labor.
2. The normal duration of the first stage of labor in a primigravida is
approximately:
A. 2–4 hours
B. 4–6 hours
C. 8–12 hours
D. 20–24 hours
Answer: C. 8–12 hours
Rationale: The first stage of labor is typically longer in first-time mothers,
averaging 8–12 hours.
3. Which fetal presentation is considered normal for vaginal birth?
A. Breech
B. Shoulder
C. Transverse
, D. Vertex
Answer: D. Vertex
Rationale: Vertex (head-down) presentation is the safest and most
common for vaginal delivery.
4. A pregnant client at 32 weeks presents with painless vaginal bleeding. This
finding is most suggestive of:
A. Placental abruption
B. Placenta previa
C. Uterine rupture
D. Cervical dilation
Answer: B. Placenta previa
Rationale: Placenta previa classically presents with painless, bright red
vaginal bleeding in late pregnancy.
5. Which vitamin deficiency is most associated with neural tube defects?
A. Vitamin C
B. Vitamin D
C. Folic acid
D. Vitamin B12
Answer: C. Folic acid
Rationale: Adequate folic acid intake before and during early pregnancy
reduces the risk of neural tube defects.
6. The Apgar score is assessed at:
A. 30 seconds and 1 minute
B. 1 and 5 minutes
C. 5 and 10 minutes
D. 10 and 20 minutes
Answer: B. 1 and 5 minutes
Rationale: Apgar scores are routinely evaluated at 1 and 5 minutes after
birth to assess neonatal adaptation.
7. Which sign is an early indication of pregnancy?
A. Quickening
, B. Chadwick sign
C. Braxton Hicks contractions
D. Lightening
Answer: B. Chadwick sign
Rationale: Chadwick sign (bluish discoloration of cervix) appears early due
to increased vascularity.
8. The most accurate method to confirm pregnancy is:
A. Urine test
B. Blood test
C. Ultrasound visualization of fetus
D. Pelvic examination
Answer: C. Ultrasound visualization of fetus
Rationale: Visualization of the fetus by ultrasound provides definitive
confirmation of pregnancy.
9. During pregnancy, cardiac output increases primarily to:
A. Support fetal growth
B. Prevent maternal anemia
C. Decrease blood pressure
D. Reduce uterine workload
Answer: A. Support fetal growth
Rationale: Increased cardiac output ensures adequate oxygen and
nutrient delivery to the fetus.
10.Which condition is characterized by hypertension, proteinuria, and edema
after 20 weeks gestation?
A. Gestational diabetes
B. Eclampsia
C. Preeclampsia
D. Chronic hypertension
Answer: C. Preeclampsia
Rationale: Preeclampsia is defined by new-onset hypertension with
proteinuria after 20 weeks.
AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A
INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. Which hormone is primarily responsible for uterine contractions during
labor?
A. Progesterone
B. Estrogen
C. Prolactin
D. Oxytocin
Answer: D. Oxytocin
Rationale: Oxytocin stimulates uterine muscle contractions and plays a
key role in the progression of labor.
2. The normal duration of the first stage of labor in a primigravida is
approximately:
A. 2–4 hours
B. 4–6 hours
C. 8–12 hours
D. 20–24 hours
Answer: C. 8–12 hours
Rationale: The first stage of labor is typically longer in first-time mothers,
averaging 8–12 hours.
3. Which fetal presentation is considered normal for vaginal birth?
A. Breech
B. Shoulder
C. Transverse
, D. Vertex
Answer: D. Vertex
Rationale: Vertex (head-down) presentation is the safest and most
common for vaginal delivery.
4. A pregnant client at 32 weeks presents with painless vaginal bleeding. This
finding is most suggestive of:
A. Placental abruption
B. Placenta previa
C. Uterine rupture
D. Cervical dilation
Answer: B. Placenta previa
Rationale: Placenta previa classically presents with painless, bright red
vaginal bleeding in late pregnancy.
5. Which vitamin deficiency is most associated with neural tube defects?
A. Vitamin C
B. Vitamin D
C. Folic acid
D. Vitamin B12
Answer: C. Folic acid
Rationale: Adequate folic acid intake before and during early pregnancy
reduces the risk of neural tube defects.
6. The Apgar score is assessed at:
A. 30 seconds and 1 minute
B. 1 and 5 minutes
C. 5 and 10 minutes
D. 10 and 20 minutes
Answer: B. 1 and 5 minutes
Rationale: Apgar scores are routinely evaluated at 1 and 5 minutes after
birth to assess neonatal adaptation.
7. Which sign is an early indication of pregnancy?
A. Quickening
, B. Chadwick sign
C. Braxton Hicks contractions
D. Lightening
Answer: B. Chadwick sign
Rationale: Chadwick sign (bluish discoloration of cervix) appears early due
to increased vascularity.
8. The most accurate method to confirm pregnancy is:
A. Urine test
B. Blood test
C. Ultrasound visualization of fetus
D. Pelvic examination
Answer: C. Ultrasound visualization of fetus
Rationale: Visualization of the fetus by ultrasound provides definitive
confirmation of pregnancy.
9. During pregnancy, cardiac output increases primarily to:
A. Support fetal growth
B. Prevent maternal anemia
C. Decrease blood pressure
D. Reduce uterine workload
Answer: A. Support fetal growth
Rationale: Increased cardiac output ensures adequate oxygen and
nutrient delivery to the fetus.
10.Which condition is characterized by hypertension, proteinuria, and edema
after 20 weeks gestation?
A. Gestational diabetes
B. Eclampsia
C. Preeclampsia
D. Chronic hypertension
Answer: C. Preeclampsia
Rationale: Preeclampsia is defined by new-onset hypertension with
proteinuria after 20 weeks.
