The journey into midwifery is as much about the heart as it is about the head. While the emotional connection with an expectant mother is vital, the clinical foundation must be rock-solid. “Midwifery I” is the gateway unit where you move from general nursing concepts into the specific, intricate world of antenatal care, normal labor, and the physiology of pregnancy.
Below is the exam paper download link
Past Paper On Midwifery I For Revision
Above is the exam paper download link
For many students, the challenge lies in the sheer volume of physiological changes and the “normalcy” of birth that must be protected. To help you streamline your revision and feel confident heading into the exam room, we’ve developed this Q&A guide based on the core pillars of Midwifery I.
Essential Revision Questions and Answers
1. What are the “Presumptive,” “Probable,” and “Positive” signs of pregnancy? Understanding these categories is fundamental to antenatal assessment:
-
Presumptive (Subjective): These are felt by the woman, such as amenorrhea (missed period), morning sickness, and breast tenderness.
-
Probable (Objective): These are observed by the midwife, such as a positive pregnancy test, Goodell’s sign (softening of the cervix), or Hegar’s sign (softening of the lower uterine segment).
-
Positive (Diagnostic): These are absolute proof of a fetus, including fetal heart sounds heard via Doppler, ultrasound visualization, or fetal movement felt by the clinician.
2. Describe the four stages of labor and the midwife’s primary focus in each.
-
First Stage: From the onset of true labor to full cervical dilation (10cm). The focus is on maternal support and monitoring fetal heart rates.
-
Second Stage: From full dilation to the birth of the baby. The focus is on guiding the mother through pushing and preventing perineal trauma.
-
Third Stage: From the birth of the baby to the delivery of the placenta. The focus is on preventing postpartum hemorrhage (PPH).
-
Fourth Stage: The first 1–2 hours after birth. The focus is on monitoring maternal vital signs and encouraging early breastfeeding.
3. What is the “Mechanism of Labor” for a vertex presentation? This describes the series of movements the fetus makes to pass through the pelvic canal. During your revision, remember the sequence: Engagement, Descent, Flexion, Internal Rotation, Extension, Restitution, External Rotation, and Expulsion. Mastering this sequence is a common requirement in both written and practical OSCE exams.
4. How is the “Estimated Date of Delivery” (EDD) calculated using Naegele’s Rule? To calculate the EDD, you take the first day of the Last Menstrual Period (LMP), add seven days, subtract three months, and add one year. For example, if the LMP was May 1st, 2025, the EDD would be February 8th, 2026. This is a frequent “quick-math” question in midwifery papers.
5. What is the significance of the “Partograph” in labor management? The partograph is a graphical record of labor progress. It is used to monitor cervical dilation, fetal heart rate, and maternal vitals over time. The “Alert” and “Action” lines are critical; if cervical dilation crosses the alert line, it signals that labor is slowing down and requires closer observation or intervention.
Why You Should Use Past Papers for Your Revision
Textbooks are great for theories, but past papers are great for strategy. They teach you how to spot the “distractor” in a multiple-choice question and how to structure your long-form answers to ensure you hit every marking point. In Midwifery I, examiners love to test your ability to distinguish between a normal physiological change and a brewing complication.
By practicing with these actual exam questions, you reduce exam-day anxiety and improve your speed, ensuring you have enough time to finish every section of the paper.
Last updated on: March 16, 2026