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Midwifery

The health profession focused on pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, providing care to women and newborns during the childbearing cycle.

Antenatal Care

Antenatal Care is a clinical topic covering pathophysiology, diagnosis, evidence-based treatment, and patient care.

Key points: Core principles, practical applications, and advanced concepts that build deep understanding.

Stages of Labor

Stages of Labor is a clinical topic covering pathophysiology, diagnosis, evidence-based treatment, and patient care.

Key points: Core principles, practical applications, and advanced concepts that build deep understanding.

Fetal Monitoring

Fetal Monitoring is a clinical topic covering pathophysiology, diagnosis, evidence-based treatment, and patient care.

Key points: Core principles, practical applications, and advanced concepts that build deep understanding.

Postpartum Care

Postpartum Care is a clinical topic covering pathophysiology, diagnosis, evidence-based treatment, and patient care.

Key points: Core principles, practical applications, and advanced concepts that build deep understanding.

Neonatal Assessment

Neonatal Assessment is a clinical topic covering pathophysiology, diagnosis, evidence-based treatment, and patient care.

Key points: Core principles, practical applications, and advanced concepts that build deep understanding.

High-Risk Pregnancy

High-Risk Pregnancy is a clinical topic covering pathophysiology, diagnosis, evidence-based treatment, and patient care.

Key points: Core principles, practical applications, and advanced concepts that build deep understanding.

Midwifery Models of Care

Midwifery Models of Care is a clinical topic covering pathophysiology, diagnosis, evidence-based treatment, and patient care.

Key points: Core principles, practical applications, and advanced concepts that build deep understanding.

Emergency Obstetrics

Emergency Obstetrics is a clinical topic covering pathophysiology, diagnosis, evidence-based treatment, and patient care.

Key points: Core principles, practical applications, and advanced concepts that build deep understanding.

Key Formulas & Equations

Estimated Date of Delivery (Naegele's Rule): EDD = LMP + 1 year - 3 months + 7 days
Gestational Age: GA = (Current date - LMP) / 7 weeks
Fundal Height: Fundal height (cm) ≈ Gestational age (weeks) after 20 weeks
Body Mass Index: BMI = weight(kg) / height(m)²
Weight Gain in Pregnancy: Total gain = 11.5-16 kg (normal BMI); 12.5-18 kg (underweight); 7-11.5 kg (overweight); 5-9 kg (obese)
Pre-pregnancy BMI Categories: Underweight <18.5; Normal 18.5-24.9; Overweight 25-29.9; Obese ≥30
Apgar Score: 0-2 points each for: Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, Respiration
Apgar Interpretation: 7-10 = Normal; 4-6 = Moderately depressed; 0-3 = Severely depressed
Apgar Timing: Assessed at 1 minute and 5 minutes after birth
Blood Loss Estimation: EBL = (Pre-delivery Hct - Post-delivery Hct) / Pre-delivery Hct × Blood volume
Blood Volume (Pregnancy): BV = Weight(kg) × 65-70 mL/kg
Postpartum Hemorrhage: PPH = Blood loss ≥500 mL (vaginal) or ≥1000 mL (C-section)
Fetal Heart Rate Baseline: Normal = 110-160 bpm
Variability: Moderate = 6-25 bpm (reassuring); Absent = 0-2 bpm (non-reassuring)
Decelerations: Early (head compression), Late (placental insufficiency), Variable (cord compression)

Core Concepts

Antenatal Care

Healthcare during pregnancy to monitor maternal and fetal well-being. Includes screening tests, ultrasounds, nutritional counseling, and birth planning.

Stages of Labor

First stage (cervical dilation 0-10 cm), second stage (pushing and birth), third stage (placental delivery), fourth stage (recovery).

Fetal Monitoring

Assessment of fetal well-being during pregnancy and labor. Includes fetal heart rate monitoring, movement counts, and biophysical profile.

Postpartum Care

Care of mother and newborn after birth. Includes monitoring for hemorrhage, infection, breastfeeding support, and mental health screening.

Neonatal Assessment

Evaluation of newborn health: Apgar score, physical examination, weight, length, head circumference, and reflexes.

High-Risk Pregnancy

Pregnancies with increased risk of complications: preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, multiple gestation, preterm labor, and placental abnormalities.

Midwifery Models of Care

Philosophies of midwifery practice: woman-centered care, continuity of care, informed choice, and evidence-based practice.

Emergency Obstetrics

Management of obstetric emergencies: postpartum hemorrhage, shoulder dystocia, cord prolapse, eclampsia, and neonatal resuscitation.

Worked Examples

Example 1: Naegele's Rule

Problem: LMP = January 15, 2024. Calculate EDD.

Solution:

EDD = Jan 15, 2024 + 1 year - 3 months + 7 days

EDD = October 22, 2024

Example 2: Apgar Score

Problem: Newborn at 1 minute: body pink/blue extremities (1), HR 100 (2), grimace (1), some flexion (1), weak cry (1). Calculate Apgar.

Solution:

Apgar = 1 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 6 (moderately depressed, needs intervention)

Example 3: Blood Loss Estimation

Problem: Pre-delivery Hct = 36%, post-delivery Hct = 30%, weight = 70 kg. Calculate blood loss.

Solution:

BV = 70 × 70 = 4,900 mL

EBL = (36-30)/36 × 4,900 = 817 mL (normal for vaginal delivery)

Practice Problems

Problem 1

Calculate EDD if LMP = March 10, 2024.

Answer: EDD = December 17, 2024

Problem 2

Calculate BMI for a pregnant woman weighing 65 kg and 1.65 m tall.

Answer: BMI = 65/(1.65)² = 23.9 kg/m² (normal)

Problem 3

Interpret Apgar score of 8 at 1 minute.

Answer: Normal (7-10), routine care

Problem 4

Calculate blood volume for a pregnant woman weighing 80 kg.

Answer: BV = 80 × 70 = 5,600 mL

Problem 5

Classify FHR baseline of 170 bpm.

Answer: Tachycardia (>160 bpm), requires evaluation

Problem 6

Calculate gestational age if LMP = 60 days ago.

Answer: GA = 60/7 = 8.6 weeks (8 weeks 4 days)

Problem 7

Define postpartum hemorrhage for vaginal delivery.

Answer: Blood loss ≥500 mL within 24 hours of birth

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