Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
Certification Practice Exam Questions
And Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. The primary hormone responsible for maintaining pregnancy is:
A. Estrogen
B. Progesterone
C. Oxytocin
D. Prolactin
Rationale: Progesterone maintains the uterine lining and prevents
contractions during pregnancy.
2. The normal fetal heart rate range is:
A. 100–120 bpm
B. 110–160 bpm
C. 90–140 bpm
, D. 120–180 bpm
Rationale: A normal baseline fetal heart rate is between 110–160
bpm, indicating good oxygenation and fetal well-being.
3. Which pelvic type is most favorable for vaginal delivery?
A. Android
B. Anthropoid
C. Gynecoid
D. Platypelloid
Rationale: The gynecoid pelvis has an ideal shape and dimensions for
vaginal birth.
4. The best position to relieve supine hypotensive syndrome in
pregnancy is:
A. Supine with legs elevated
B. Left lateral position
C. Right lateral position
D. Sitting upright
Rationale: The left lateral position prevents compression of the
inferior vena cava by the gravid uterus.
5. The most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage is:
A. Retained placenta
B. Uterine atony
C. Vaginal laceration
D. Coagulopathy
, Rationale: Uterine atony prevents effective uterine contraction,
leading to excessive bleeding.
6. A normal lochia progression postpartum is:
A. Serosa → Rubra → Alba
B. Rubra → Serosa → Alba
C. Alba → Serosa → Rubra
D. Serosa → Alba → Rubra
Rationale: Lochia normally changes from rubra (red), to serosa
(pink), to alba (white) as healing progresses.
7. Which vitamin is recommended to prevent neural tube defects in early
pregnancy?
A. Vitamin C
B. Vitamin D
C. Folic acid
D. Vitamin K
Rationale: Folic acid supplementation before conception and in early
pregnancy reduces neural tube defect risk.
8. The normal duration of the first stage of labor for a primigravida is
approximately:
A. 4–6 hours
B. 12–14 hours
C. 2–4 hours
D. 18–20 hours
, Rationale: The first stage in a first-time mother typically lasts 12–14
hours, depending on labor progress.
9. Which fetal presentation is considered optimal for vaginal delivery?
A. Brow
B. Face
C. Vertex
D. Shoulder
Rationale: The vertex (occiput anterior) presentation aligns best with
the birth canal.
10. During the second stage of labor, the nurse midwife should
encourage the mother to:
A. Hold her breath and push continuously
B. Push with contractions and rest in between
C. Push at random intervals
D. Avoid pushing until instructed
Rationale: Coordinating pushing with contractions optimizes fetal
descent and maternal energy.
11. A midwife notes a boggy uterus after delivery. The first action
should be to:
A. Call the physician
B. Massage the uterus
C. Increase IV fluids
D. Administer antibiotics
Certification Practice Exam Questions
And Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. The primary hormone responsible for maintaining pregnancy is:
A. Estrogen
B. Progesterone
C. Oxytocin
D. Prolactin
Rationale: Progesterone maintains the uterine lining and prevents
contractions during pregnancy.
2. The normal fetal heart rate range is:
A. 100–120 bpm
B. 110–160 bpm
C. 90–140 bpm
, D. 120–180 bpm
Rationale: A normal baseline fetal heart rate is between 110–160
bpm, indicating good oxygenation and fetal well-being.
3. Which pelvic type is most favorable for vaginal delivery?
A. Android
B. Anthropoid
C. Gynecoid
D. Platypelloid
Rationale: The gynecoid pelvis has an ideal shape and dimensions for
vaginal birth.
4. The best position to relieve supine hypotensive syndrome in
pregnancy is:
A. Supine with legs elevated
B. Left lateral position
C. Right lateral position
D. Sitting upright
Rationale: The left lateral position prevents compression of the
inferior vena cava by the gravid uterus.
5. The most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage is:
A. Retained placenta
B. Uterine atony
C. Vaginal laceration
D. Coagulopathy
, Rationale: Uterine atony prevents effective uterine contraction,
leading to excessive bleeding.
6. A normal lochia progression postpartum is:
A. Serosa → Rubra → Alba
B. Rubra → Serosa → Alba
C. Alba → Serosa → Rubra
D. Serosa → Alba → Rubra
Rationale: Lochia normally changes from rubra (red), to serosa
(pink), to alba (white) as healing progresses.
7. Which vitamin is recommended to prevent neural tube defects in early
pregnancy?
A. Vitamin C
B. Vitamin D
C. Folic acid
D. Vitamin K
Rationale: Folic acid supplementation before conception and in early
pregnancy reduces neural tube defect risk.
8. The normal duration of the first stage of labor for a primigravida is
approximately:
A. 4–6 hours
B. 12–14 hours
C. 2–4 hours
D. 18–20 hours
, Rationale: The first stage in a first-time mother typically lasts 12–14
hours, depending on labor progress.
9. Which fetal presentation is considered optimal for vaginal delivery?
A. Brow
B. Face
C. Vertex
D. Shoulder
Rationale: The vertex (occiput anterior) presentation aligns best with
the birth canal.
10. During the second stage of labor, the nurse midwife should
encourage the mother to:
A. Hold her breath and push continuously
B. Push with contractions and rest in between
C. Push at random intervals
D. Avoid pushing until instructed
Rationale: Coordinating pushing with contractions optimizes fetal
descent and maternal energy.
11. A midwife notes a boggy uterus after delivery. The first action
should be to:
A. Call the physician
B. Massage the uterus
C. Increase IV fluids
D. Administer antibiotics
