Page 1 of 168
Study Guide for Obstetrics with Questions and
Answers | 2026 Update | 100% Correct –
WPU.
Q1. The ligament that contains the ovarian vessels and is a key
landmark during adnexal surgery is the:
A) Round ligament
B) Infundibulopelvic ligament
C) Broad ligament
D) Cardinal ligament
Answer: B
Rationale: The infundibulopelvic (suspensory) ligament carries the
ovarian artery and vein from the aorta and IVC to the ovary. It
is also known as the suspensory ligament of the ovary. The round
ligament attaches to the uterus and passes through the inguinal
,Page 2 of 168
canal; the broad ligament is a peritoneal fold; the cardinal
ligaments support the cervix.
Q2. During pregnancy, the uterus undergoes marked
hypertrophy. The predominant cause of uterine growth in the first
trimester is:
A) Hyperplasia (increase in number of myocytes)
B) Hypertrophy (increase in size of myocytes)
C) Stretch from the growing fetus
D) Hormonal relaxation of smooth muscle
Answer: A
Rationale: In the first trimester, uterine enlargement is primarily
due to hyperplasia (increased cell number) stimulated by
estrogen. After midpregnancy, hypertrophy and stretching
predominate.
,Page 3 of 168
Q3. The blood volume increase in a normal singleton pregnancy
is approximately:
A) 10–20%
B) 40–50%
C) 60–70%
D) 80–100%
Answer: B
Rationale: Plasma volume increases by about 40–50% (from
2600 mL to 3750–3900 mL), while red cell mass increases by
about 20–30%. This leads to physiologic anemia of pregnancy
(hemodilution).
Q4. (Scenario) A 32-year-old G2P1 at 28 weeks gestation
presents with supine hypotension when lying on her back. The
most likely mechanism is:
A) Increased vagal tone
, Page 4 of 168
B) Compression of the inferior vena cava by the gravid uterus
C) Aortic compression leading to decreased cardiac output
D) Orthostatic intolerance due to vasodilation
Answer: B
Rationale: Supine hypotensive syndrome (aortocaval
compression) occurs when the gravid uterus compresses the
inferior vena cava, reducing venous return and cardiac output.
Placing the patient in the left lateral decubitus position relieves
compression.
Q5. Which cardiac output parameter increases most significantly
during labor and delivery?
A) Stroke volume
B) Heart rate
C) Cardiac output rises up to 50% during uterine contractions
D) Systemic vascular resistance
Study Guide for Obstetrics with Questions and
Answers | 2026 Update | 100% Correct –
WPU.
Q1. The ligament that contains the ovarian vessels and is a key
landmark during adnexal surgery is the:
A) Round ligament
B) Infundibulopelvic ligament
C) Broad ligament
D) Cardinal ligament
Answer: B
Rationale: The infundibulopelvic (suspensory) ligament carries the
ovarian artery and vein from the aorta and IVC to the ovary. It
is also known as the suspensory ligament of the ovary. The round
ligament attaches to the uterus and passes through the inguinal
,Page 2 of 168
canal; the broad ligament is a peritoneal fold; the cardinal
ligaments support the cervix.
Q2. During pregnancy, the uterus undergoes marked
hypertrophy. The predominant cause of uterine growth in the first
trimester is:
A) Hyperplasia (increase in number of myocytes)
B) Hypertrophy (increase in size of myocytes)
C) Stretch from the growing fetus
D) Hormonal relaxation of smooth muscle
Answer: A
Rationale: In the first trimester, uterine enlargement is primarily
due to hyperplasia (increased cell number) stimulated by
estrogen. After midpregnancy, hypertrophy and stretching
predominate.
,Page 3 of 168
Q3. The blood volume increase in a normal singleton pregnancy
is approximately:
A) 10–20%
B) 40–50%
C) 60–70%
D) 80–100%
Answer: B
Rationale: Plasma volume increases by about 40–50% (from
2600 mL to 3750–3900 mL), while red cell mass increases by
about 20–30%. This leads to physiologic anemia of pregnancy
(hemodilution).
Q4. (Scenario) A 32-year-old G2P1 at 28 weeks gestation
presents with supine hypotension when lying on her back. The
most likely mechanism is:
A) Increased vagal tone
, Page 4 of 168
B) Compression of the inferior vena cava by the gravid uterus
C) Aortic compression leading to decreased cardiac output
D) Orthostatic intolerance due to vasodilation
Answer: B
Rationale: Supine hypotensive syndrome (aortocaval
compression) occurs when the gravid uterus compresses the
inferior vena cava, reducing venous return and cardiac output.
Placing the patient in the left lateral decubitus position relieves
compression.
Q5. Which cardiac output parameter increases most significantly
during labor and delivery?
A) Stroke volume
B) Heart rate
C) Cardiac output rises up to 50% during uterine contractions
D) Systemic vascular resistance
