PN 3003 -- MATERNITY AND PEDIATRICS. EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 100% PASS 2026/2027

PN 3003 -- MATERNITY AND
PEDIATRICS. EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS 100% PASS 2026/2027




Possible Signs of Pregnancy - ANS Amenorrhea, N&V, fatigue, breast changes, frequent
urination


Probable Signs of Pregnancy - ANS 4-12 weeks: presence of hCG in blood
6-12 weeks: presence of hCG in urine
8+ weeks: uterine growth
16 weeks: Braxton Hicks


Positive Signs of Pregnancy - ANS 6+ weeks: Visually see fetus on ultrasound
20-24 weeks: Fetal heart sounds by fetal stethoscope
22+ weeks: Fetal movements felt by practitioner
Late Pregnancy: Fetal movements visible


Normal length of pregnancy - ANS 40 weeks


FSH in pregnancy - ANS Low levels due to high levels of estrogen and progesterone


hCG levels in pregnancy - ANS Peak in first trimester and then drop off


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,Estrogen levels in pregnancy - ANS Increase during pregnancy


Progesterone levels in pregnancy - ANS Increase during pregnancy


LH in pregnancy - ANS Low levels due to high levels of estrogen and progesterone


Prolactin in pregnancy - ANS Increases


Pituitary growth hormone in pregnancy - ANS Levels fall but overall serum levels increase due
to placental production


Oxytocin levels in pregnancys - ANS Increase and peak at term


TSH in pregnancy - ANS Production stimulated after first trimester (in healthy individuals not
normally significant)


Cortisol levels in pregnancy - ANS


Gestational diabetes - ANS A pregnant person can get diabetes when her pancreas cannot
make enough insulin to keep their blood sugar levels within a target range.


Cardiovascular changes in pregnancy - ANS Peripheral vasodilation, cardiac output increases,
increased stroke volume, may be third heart sound after mid pregnancy, systolic flow murmurs
are common


Respiratory changes in pregnancy - ANS Tidal volume increases (increasing vital capacity and
decreasing residual volume), increased oxygen consumption, possible SOB




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, GI system changes in pregnancy - ANS N&V, appetite increases, heartburn, constipation,
gallbladder may dilate and empty less completely


Urinary changes in pregnancy - ANS Renal blood flow increases. Possible
glycosuria/proteinuria. Water retention increases. Residual urine increases. Risk for UTIs
increases


Haematological changes in pregnancy - ANS Plasma volume increases. RBCs increase.
Demand for iron increases. Clotting factors/fibrinogen increase. Serum albumin decreases.


Metabolic changes in pregnancy - ANS Basal metabolic rate increases slowly. Active energy
expenditure falls. Weight gain (normal 11.4-15.9kg).


Skin changes in pregnancy - ANS Hyperpigmentation of the umbilicus, nipples, abdominal
midline (linea nigra) and face (melasma (chloasma)) are common due to the hormonal changes
of pregnancy. Hyperdynamic circulation and high levels of estrogen may cause spider naevi and
palmar erythema. Striae gravidarum ('stretch marks') are common.


Musculoskeletal changes in pregnancy - ANS Increased ligamental laxity caused by increased
levels of relaxin contribute to back pain and pubic symphysis dysfunction. Shift in posture with
exaggerated lumbar lordosis leading to the typical gait of late pregnancy.


Uterine changes in pregnancy - ANS Increased to about 5x its normal size(h: 30cm, w: 23cm,
d: 20cm) primarily because of progesterone


Vaginal changes in pregnancy - ANS Becomes more elastic towards the end of pregnancy.
These changes enable it to dilate during the second stage of labour, as the baby passes down
the birth canal.


Cervical changes in pregnancy - ANS Remains 2.5 cm long throughout pregnancy. In late
pregnancy, softening of the cervix occurs in response to increasing painless contractions of its
muscular walls.



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