Midwifery Exam Practice Questions 2025

What is the first stage of the menstrual cycle (that lasts 4-7 days) known as? - Correct Ans-Menstrual Cycle What is the second stage of the menstrual cycle (lasting 8-13 days) known as? - Correct Ans-Follicular Phase What is the third stage of the menstrual cycle, occurring at day 14, known as? - Correct Ans-Ovulatory Phase What is the final stage of the menstrual cycle known as? - Correct Ans-Luteal Phase What occurs during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle? - Correct Ans-FSH causes follicle maturation in the ovary. Increased oestrogen causes the endometrium to thicken and become a nourishing environment for a potential pregnancy. Define Ovulation - Correct Ans-A period of heightened hormones where a dominant follicle releases an egg into a Fallopian tube. Which hormone is responsible for ovulation? - Correct Ans-LH (Luteinizing Hormone) What happens during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle? - Correct Ans-Oestrogen decreases, progesterone increases due to the corpus luteum. What happens during the menstrual phase of the menstrual cycle? - Correct Ans Oestrogen and progesterone decrease and the endometrial lining is shed. How long is an egg viable for following ovulation? - Correct Ans-1 day What happens if an egg is not fertilised? - Correct Ans-Progesterone decreases, corpus luteum is reabsorbed and FSH causes new follicles to start maturing. Define capacitation - Correct Ans-The protective covering of the acrosome of the sperm is removed. What sort of reaction begins when a sperm comes into contact with an egg? - Correct Ans-Cortical reaction - cortical granules block any other sperm from entering the egg How many chromosomes does a zygote contain? - Correct Ans-46, in 23 homologous pairs How many cells does the merula have? - Correct Ans-8 to 16 Midwifery Midwifery How many cells does the blastocyst have? - Correct Ans-16 to 32 How many days after ovulation can implantation occur? - Correct Ans-6 to 10 days Define decidualisation - Correct Ans-Progesterone increases, creating a hospitable environment for the developing fetus. What are trophoblasts? - Correct Ans-Cells on the outer layer of the blastocyst What are integrins? - Correct Ans-Cell adhesion molecules that work in implantation. What is the chorion? - Correct Ans-Fetal part of placenta made out of trophoblast cells Which hormone causes skin pigmentation in pregnancy? - Correct Ans-Pituitary melanin-stimulating hormone What is the linea nigra? - Correct Ans-Abdominal midline What is striae gravidarum? - Correct Ans-Stretch marks What is choloasma? - Correct Ans-'Mask of pregnancy' which is a tan or dark skin discoloration. What hormones cause SPD? - Correct Ans-Increased relaxin and progesterone What causes backache in pregnancy? - Correct Ans-Increased progesterone and relaxin that relaxes the sacroiliac joint. How does the vagina change in pregnancy? - Correct Ans-Increased vascularity resulting in purple/red discoloration What is Jacquemier's sign of pregnancy? - Correct Ans-Vagina and cervix may appear purple/blue due to increased blood supply What is Osiander's sign of pregnancy? - Correct Ans-Pulse located in the lateral vaginal fornix which indicates pregnancy What is the function of the cervical mucus plug? - Correct Ans-Protect the fetus from any ascending infections What is an ectropion? - Correct Ans-Purple/red discoloration of the cervix What causes vaginal discharge in pregnancy? - Correct Ans-Shedding of mucosal cells from the cervix or uterus Midwifery Midwifery What is candida albicans? - Correct Ans-Thrush or a yeast infection How does the mouth change in pregnancy? - Correct Ans-Increased gum vascularity, increased salivation resulting in bleeding gums or gingivitis. How does the stomach change in pregnancy? - Correct Ans-Cardiac sphincter relaxes caused by progesterone or heartburn How does the thyroid gland change in pregnancy? - Correct Ans-Increased TSH or thyroxine resulting in enlargement, or a goitre, thought to be related to nausea and vomiting. Which gland produces prolactin? - Correct Ans-Anterior pituitary gland What gland produces oxytocin? - Correct Ans-Posterior pituitary or hypothalamus Define puerperium - Correct Ans-Starts after the delivery of the placenta and membranes and continues for 6 weeks Define involution - Correct Ans-Process by which the uterus returns to its normal size, tone and position Define ischaemia - Correct Ans-Inadequate blood supply to an organ or part of the body Define autolysis - Correct Ans-Destruction of cells, tissues, muscle fibres by enzymes. What 3 processes contribute to involution? - Correct Ans-Ischaemia, autolysis, phagocytosis What is the role of phagocytosis in involution? - Correct Ans-It removes any debris left by autolysis What is the role of coagulation in involution? - Correct Ans-Takes place due to platelet aggregation and the release of thromboplastin and fibrin What is the role of vasoconstriction in involution? - Correct Ans-Overall blood supply to the uterus reduces, resulting in a further reduction in blood loss. What is lochia rubra? - Correct Ans-Blood, decidua, lanugo, vernix, shreds of chorion and amnion, meconium What is lochia serosa? - Correct Ans-Decidua, altered blood and serum, mucous, leukocytes What is lochia alba? - Correct Ans-Mucous, leukocytes and other microorganisms Midwifery Midwifery What are the signs of a perineal infection? - Correct Ans-Abnormal discoloration, excessive pain, offensive smell Define diuresis - Correct Ans-Excessive urination Define dysuria - Correct Ans-Painful urination What are the symptoms of a UTI? - Correct Ans-Passing small amounts, burning/stinging, abdominal or loin pain What are haemorrhoids? - Correct Ans-a.k.a. piles, Painful swelling of a vein in the rectum, which are very common after birth and worsened by pushing or straining Why may ovulation be delayed in breastfeeders? - Correct Ans-Prolactin inhibits ovulation. What is the aim of the UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative? - Correct Ans-Address poor hospital practices and aggressive marketing techniques by formula companies which contribute to a decrease in breastfeeding rates from the 50s onwards. When were the university standards introduced in the Baby Friendly Initiative? - Correct Ans-2005 What is the first stage of the baby friendly initiative? - Correct Ans-Building a firm foundation What is the 'gold' standard of the baby friendly initiative? - Correct Ans-Provide leadership, monitoring and culture needed to maintain and progress the standards over time. How many mothers initiate breastfeeding in the UK? - Correct Ans-80% How many mothers continue breastfeeding until beyond 4 months old in the UK? - Correct Ans-40% How many mothers stop breastfeeding before they want