MATERNAL NEWBORN| PRACTICE EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS WITH LATEST VERSION 2026.
How long does sperm live in the female reproductive system after intercourse?
a) 1 week
b) 2-3 days
c) 5-6 days
d) 2 weeks - CORRECT ANSWERS- b) 2-3 days
For fertilization to occur, intercourse must happen ______ days before ovulation or
_______ after ovulation. - CORRECT ANSWERS- 2-3 days BEFORE
24 hrs AFTER
What is spinnbarkeit? - CORRECT ANSWERS- Cervical mucous
Thin, clear, stretchy
Promotes sperm passage
Occurs around day 14 of menstrual cycle
Does basal body temperature increase or decrease before or after ovulation? -
CORRECT ANSWERS- Decreases BEFORE ovulation
Increases AFTER
When should women take their basal body temperature if tracking menstrual cycle /
ovulation periods? - CORRECT ANSWERS- Immediately upon waking up
When should prenatal vitamins and folic acid be introduce to women? - CORRECT
ANSWERS- During the PLANNING phase of pregnancy
What is Mittelschmerz? - CORRECT ANSWERS- Lower abdominal pain associated with
ovulation
*think Moan
List 6 Presumptive signs of pregnancy... - CORRECT ANSWERS- *Noticed by the
women
- Breast changes
- Amenorrhea (missed period)
- N/V
- Frequent urnation
- Fatigue
- Quickening (fetal movement felt by the mother is still not FOR SURE)
List 5 Probable signs of pregnancy... - CORRECT ANSWERS- *Noticed my examiner
- Positive pregnancy test
- Braxton hicks (womb contracts and relaxes)
- Goodell Sign (softening of the cervical tip)
- Chadwick Sign (blush vaginal mucosa & cervix)
- Hegar Sign (softening of the lower uterine segment)
List 3 Positive signs of pregnancy... - CORRECT ANSWERS- *Proof of fetus
- Ultrasound (5-6 weeks)
- Fetal heart tones heard by ultrasound, doppler, or stethoscope
,- Fetal movement palpated or visible BY MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
(Dr./NP/Nurse/Midwife)
What is Nagel's Rule? - CORRECT ANSWERS- It is used to determine an estimate of the
due date.
*must know the 1st day of last period
- 3 months + 7 days + 1 year
Your patient began her last known period on September 15th, 2015. When is her
estimated delivery date? - CORRECT ANSWERS- LMP = September 15th, 2015
= - 3 months (June 15th)
= + 7 days (June 22nd)
= + 1 year
= June 22nd 2016
GTPAL
What is G? - CORRECT ANSWERS- Total number of pregnancies (current fetus is
added)
GTPAL
What is T? - CORRECT ANSWERS- Number of term births (37-42 weeks)
GTPAL
What is P? - CORRECT ANSWERS- Number of Preterm births
(20-36 weeks)
Twins count as one
Viability = 24 weeks
GTPAL
What is A? - CORRECT ANSWERS- Abortions/Miscarriages
(less than 20 weeks gestation)
GTPAL
What is L? - CORRECT ANSWERS- Number of living children
A 29 year old female is currently 9 weeks pregnant. She has no living children. Two
years ago she had 2 miscarriages at 10 and 12 weeks gestation. What is her GTPAL? -
CORRECT ANSWERS- G - 3
T-0
P-0
A-2
L-0
What is important prior to pregnancy? - CORRECT ANSWERS- Achieving ideal body
weight (BMI 18.5-24.9)
Take folic acid, iron, prenatal vitamins
What does Folic acid help prevent during pregnancy?
What is the dosage? - CORRECT ANSWERS- Prevents spina bifida
0.4mg/day minimum
How long is each trimester?
1:
2:
3: - CORRECT ANSWERS- 1: 1-13 weeks
,2: 14-26 weeks
3: 27-40 weeks
What is the expected weight gain in each trimester?
1:
2:
3: - CORRECT ANSWERS- 1: 4 lbs
2: 1 lb/week
3: no more than 1 lb/week
Who gains more weight during pregnancy? Mothers with low BMI or high BMI? -
CORRECT ANSWERS- Low BMI
Should a pregnant mother be going in hot tubs or taking hot baths? - CORRECT
ANSWERS- No
Can cause birth defects
What does smoking while pregnant commonly cause? - CORRECT ANSWERS- Sudden
infant death syndrome (SIDS)
Low birth weight
Infant Viability = __________ weeks
Term = __________ weeks - CORRECT ANSWERS- Infant Viability = 24 weeks
Term = 37-40 weeks
Normal FHR in utero = _________ bpm - CORRECT ANSWERS- 120-160 bpm
What is the number one leading cause of neonatal mortality? How is it transmitted? -
CORRECT ANSWERS- Group B Strep
Transmitted from mother to baby after rupture of membranes through the birth canal
screening done at 35 weeks and delivery
How is Group B Strep treated? - CORRECT ANSWERS- Prophylactically with Penicillin
(this is not an STI)
What is an ultrasound? What must mom do before hand? - CORRECT ANSWERS-
Safest method to monitor fetal growth and development
Used to confirm pregnancy and/or miscarriage
Mother must FILL bladder to bring uterus to the surface for better visualization
What is a non-stress test? How does it work? - CORRECT ANSWERS- Measures the
response of fetal heart rate (FHR) to fetal movement.
Mother wears a fetal heart monitor and presses a button when she feels movement
What is considered a Reactive Non-stress test? - CORRECT ANSWERS- As the fetus
moves, the FHR. should increase 85% of the time and then decrease again
Minimum of 2 accelerations in a 20 minute period lasting 15 seconds at an increase of
15bpm = Reactive
Absence of acceleration if sleeping is normal
, The lack of 2 (+) accelerations within 20 minutes = Nonreactive (needs further
assessment)
What is an amniocentesis? - CORRECT ANSWERS- the sampling of amniotic fluid using
a needle inserted into the uterus, to screen for developmental abnormalities in a fetus.
Done after 14 weeks
What is fundal height? - CORRECT ANSWERS- Measurement of the uterine height
(fundus) during 2nd trimester
Indicates gestational age and fetal growth
22-24 weeks should rise to the umbilicus
Full-term can reach the xyphoid process
Measurement should be + 1-2 cm gestational age
What is a biophysical profile? - CORRECT ANSWERS- scoring system to evaluate fetal
well being (high risk pregnancies, or when there is materna/physician concern like
decreased fetal movements or non-reactive NST)
Five parameters:
1) Fetal size and head circumference
2) Fetal tone
3) Fetal movement
4) Fetal breathing
5) amniotic fluid volume
8-10 is considered normal
repeated only once or twice weekly until term for high risk pregnancies
How does gestational diabetes occur? - CORRECT ANSWERS- - Fetal nutrition
demands rise and maternal insulin resistance increases due to placental hormones
- The pancreas is unable to produce sufficient insulin for mom and baby OR insulin
isn't used efficiently
What contributing factors may lead to gestational diabetes?
(Select all that apply)
a) Previous diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes
b) Age (over 25)
c) Overweight
d) Family history - CORRECT ANSWERS- b) Age (over 25)
c) Overweight
d) Family history
Are all women screened for gestational diabetes? If so, when? - CORRECT ANSWERS-
Yes, all women are screening in regards to history, risk factors, blood sugar levels
Glucose screening usually begins 24-28 weeks for high risk patients
ANSWERS WITH LATEST VERSION 2026.
How long does sperm live in the female reproductive system after intercourse?
a) 1 week
b) 2-3 days
c) 5-6 days
d) 2 weeks - CORRECT ANSWERS- b) 2-3 days
For fertilization to occur, intercourse must happen ______ days before ovulation or
_______ after ovulation. - CORRECT ANSWERS- 2-3 days BEFORE
24 hrs AFTER
What is spinnbarkeit? - CORRECT ANSWERS- Cervical mucous
Thin, clear, stretchy
Promotes sperm passage
Occurs around day 14 of menstrual cycle
Does basal body temperature increase or decrease before or after ovulation? -
CORRECT ANSWERS- Decreases BEFORE ovulation
Increases AFTER
When should women take their basal body temperature if tracking menstrual cycle /
ovulation periods? - CORRECT ANSWERS- Immediately upon waking up
When should prenatal vitamins and folic acid be introduce to women? - CORRECT
ANSWERS- During the PLANNING phase of pregnancy
What is Mittelschmerz? - CORRECT ANSWERS- Lower abdominal pain associated with
ovulation
*think Moan
List 6 Presumptive signs of pregnancy... - CORRECT ANSWERS- *Noticed by the
women
- Breast changes
- Amenorrhea (missed period)
- N/V
- Frequent urnation
- Fatigue
- Quickening (fetal movement felt by the mother is still not FOR SURE)
List 5 Probable signs of pregnancy... - CORRECT ANSWERS- *Noticed my examiner
- Positive pregnancy test
- Braxton hicks (womb contracts and relaxes)
- Goodell Sign (softening of the cervical tip)
- Chadwick Sign (blush vaginal mucosa & cervix)
- Hegar Sign (softening of the lower uterine segment)
List 3 Positive signs of pregnancy... - CORRECT ANSWERS- *Proof of fetus
- Ultrasound (5-6 weeks)
- Fetal heart tones heard by ultrasound, doppler, or stethoscope
,- Fetal movement palpated or visible BY MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
(Dr./NP/Nurse/Midwife)
What is Nagel's Rule? - CORRECT ANSWERS- It is used to determine an estimate of the
due date.
*must know the 1st day of last period
- 3 months + 7 days + 1 year
Your patient began her last known period on September 15th, 2015. When is her
estimated delivery date? - CORRECT ANSWERS- LMP = September 15th, 2015
= - 3 months (June 15th)
= + 7 days (June 22nd)
= + 1 year
= June 22nd 2016
GTPAL
What is G? - CORRECT ANSWERS- Total number of pregnancies (current fetus is
added)
GTPAL
What is T? - CORRECT ANSWERS- Number of term births (37-42 weeks)
GTPAL
What is P? - CORRECT ANSWERS- Number of Preterm births
(20-36 weeks)
Twins count as one
Viability = 24 weeks
GTPAL
What is A? - CORRECT ANSWERS- Abortions/Miscarriages
(less than 20 weeks gestation)
GTPAL
What is L? - CORRECT ANSWERS- Number of living children
A 29 year old female is currently 9 weeks pregnant. She has no living children. Two
years ago she had 2 miscarriages at 10 and 12 weeks gestation. What is her GTPAL? -
CORRECT ANSWERS- G - 3
T-0
P-0
A-2
L-0
What is important prior to pregnancy? - CORRECT ANSWERS- Achieving ideal body
weight (BMI 18.5-24.9)
Take folic acid, iron, prenatal vitamins
What does Folic acid help prevent during pregnancy?
What is the dosage? - CORRECT ANSWERS- Prevents spina bifida
0.4mg/day minimum
How long is each trimester?
1:
2:
3: - CORRECT ANSWERS- 1: 1-13 weeks
,2: 14-26 weeks
3: 27-40 weeks
What is the expected weight gain in each trimester?
1:
2:
3: - CORRECT ANSWERS- 1: 4 lbs
2: 1 lb/week
3: no more than 1 lb/week
Who gains more weight during pregnancy? Mothers with low BMI or high BMI? -
CORRECT ANSWERS- Low BMI
Should a pregnant mother be going in hot tubs or taking hot baths? - CORRECT
ANSWERS- No
Can cause birth defects
What does smoking while pregnant commonly cause? - CORRECT ANSWERS- Sudden
infant death syndrome (SIDS)
Low birth weight
Infant Viability = __________ weeks
Term = __________ weeks - CORRECT ANSWERS- Infant Viability = 24 weeks
Term = 37-40 weeks
Normal FHR in utero = _________ bpm - CORRECT ANSWERS- 120-160 bpm
What is the number one leading cause of neonatal mortality? How is it transmitted? -
CORRECT ANSWERS- Group B Strep
Transmitted from mother to baby after rupture of membranes through the birth canal
screening done at 35 weeks and delivery
How is Group B Strep treated? - CORRECT ANSWERS- Prophylactically with Penicillin
(this is not an STI)
What is an ultrasound? What must mom do before hand? - CORRECT ANSWERS-
Safest method to monitor fetal growth and development
Used to confirm pregnancy and/or miscarriage
Mother must FILL bladder to bring uterus to the surface for better visualization
What is a non-stress test? How does it work? - CORRECT ANSWERS- Measures the
response of fetal heart rate (FHR) to fetal movement.
Mother wears a fetal heart monitor and presses a button when she feels movement
What is considered a Reactive Non-stress test? - CORRECT ANSWERS- As the fetus
moves, the FHR. should increase 85% of the time and then decrease again
Minimum of 2 accelerations in a 20 minute period lasting 15 seconds at an increase of
15bpm = Reactive
Absence of acceleration if sleeping is normal
, The lack of 2 (+) accelerations within 20 minutes = Nonreactive (needs further
assessment)
What is an amniocentesis? - CORRECT ANSWERS- the sampling of amniotic fluid using
a needle inserted into the uterus, to screen for developmental abnormalities in a fetus.
Done after 14 weeks
What is fundal height? - CORRECT ANSWERS- Measurement of the uterine height
(fundus) during 2nd trimester
Indicates gestational age and fetal growth
22-24 weeks should rise to the umbilicus
Full-term can reach the xyphoid process
Measurement should be + 1-2 cm gestational age
What is a biophysical profile? - CORRECT ANSWERS- scoring system to evaluate fetal
well being (high risk pregnancies, or when there is materna/physician concern like
decreased fetal movements or non-reactive NST)
Five parameters:
1) Fetal size and head circumference
2) Fetal tone
3) Fetal movement
4) Fetal breathing
5) amniotic fluid volume
8-10 is considered normal
repeated only once or twice weekly until term for high risk pregnancies
How does gestational diabetes occur? - CORRECT ANSWERS- - Fetal nutrition
demands rise and maternal insulin resistance increases due to placental hormones
- The pancreas is unable to produce sufficient insulin for mom and baby OR insulin
isn't used efficiently
What contributing factors may lead to gestational diabetes?
(Select all that apply)
a) Previous diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes
b) Age (over 25)
c) Overweight
d) Family history - CORRECT ANSWERS- b) Age (over 25)
c) Overweight
d) Family history
Are all women screened for gestational diabetes? If so, when? - CORRECT ANSWERS-
Yes, all women are screening in regards to history, risk factors, blood sugar levels
Glucose screening usually begins 24-28 weeks for high risk patients
