Free Normal Labour and Delivery MCQs with Answers

• A. Painful contractions with progressive cervical change
• B. Irregular contractions relieved by walking
• C. Cervical mucus discharge without contractions
• D. Backache without cervical dilatation

Explanation: True labour causes regular painful contractions that produce progressive cervical effacement and dilatation.

• A. Opening of the cervical canal
• B. Thinning and shortening of the cervix
• C. Descent of the presenting fetal part
• D. Separation of the placenta from the uterus

Explanation: Effacement is the thinning and shortening of the cervix, expressed as a percentage.

• A. Left occipitoanterior position
• B. Right sacrotransverse position
• C. Left occipitoposterior position
• D. Right sacrotransverse breech position

Explanation: The occipitoanterior position, especially left occipitoanterior, usually allows the smallest useful diameter of the fetal head to enter…

• A. A baseline of 140 beats per minute
• B. A baseline of 125 beats per minute
• C. A baseline of 170 beats per minute
• D. A baseline of 110 beats per minute

Explanation: A persistent fetal heart rate above 160 beats per minute is fetal tachycardia and requires assessment and reporting.

• A. To estimate the mother's blood loss
• B. To identify abnormal progress of labour
• C. To calculate the newborn's Apgar score
• D. To determine the newborn's birth weight

Explanation: The partograph helps the care team recognise slow or abnormal labour progress and decide when further assessment is needed.

• A. Administering a prophylactic uterotonic after birth
• B. Applying fundal pressure before placental separation
• C. Pulling firmly on the cord without uterine support
• D. Waiting for heavy bleeding before giving medication

Explanation: A prophylactic uterotonic, commonly oxytocin, is given after birth to promote uterine contraction and reduce postpartum haemorrhage.

• A. Checking that the placenta and membranes are complete
• B. Measuring the mother's height and head circumference
• C. Assessing the fetal lie inside the uterus
• D. Determining the newborn's gestational age by weight

Explanation: The placenta and membranes must be inspected for completeness because retained fragments can cause continued bleeding or infection.

• A. Encourage breathing, relaxation, and position changes
• B. Keep the woman flat in bed throughout labour
• C. Discourage her support person from speaking to her
• D. Withhold fluids until the placenta is delivered

Explanation: Breathing techniques, relaxation, massage, mobility, and position changes can reduce anxiety and improve coping during labour.

• A. Massage the uterine fundus and assess the bleeding
• B. Offer a warm drink and reassess after one hour
• C. Encourage walking to improve uterine drainage
• D. Place the woman in a sitting position for comfort

Explanation: A soft uterus with rapid bleeding suggests uterine atony, a circulation emergency that can cause postpartum haemorrhage.

• A. Regular painful contractions begin
• B. The cervix becomes fully dilated
• C. The placenta separates from the uterus
• D. The membranes rupture spontaneously

Explanation: The second stage begins when the cervix is fully dilated and continues until the baby is born.

• A. Longitudinal lie
• B. Transverse lie
• C. Oblique lie
• D. Unstable lie

Explanation: In a longitudinal lie, the long axis of the fetus is parallel to the long axis of the uterus.

• A. Cephalic presentation
• B. Breech presentation
• C. Shoulder presentation
• D. Face presentation

Explanation: Breech presentation occurs when the buttocks or feet present first. Cephalic presentation has the head presenting, while shoulder…

• A. Minus two station
• B. Minus one station
• C. Zero station
• D. Plus two station

Explanation: The ischial spines are the reference point for station, and a presenting part at their level is recorded as zero station.

• A. Assess the fetal heart rate
• B. Offer the woman oral fluids
• C. Begin fundal massage
• D. Prepare the postnatal bed

Explanation: The fetal heart rate is checked immediately after membrane rupture because cord compression or cord prolapse can cause sudden fetal…

• A. Assess bladder distension and urine output
• B. Encourage unassisted walking to the bathroom
• C. Restrict all oral fluids until birth
• D. Place the woman flat without a pillow

Explanation: Epidural analgesia can reduce bladder sensation and lower-limb strength, increasing the risk of urinary retention and falls.

• A. Supine with the legs kept straight
• B. Upright or side-lying with comfort support
• C. Prone with the abdomen compressed
• D. Flat on the abdomen with hips extended

Explanation: Upright or side-lying positions can promote comfort, pelvic movement and fetal descent while reducing aortocaval compression.

• A. The uterus becomes soft and broad
• B. The umbilical cord lengthens visibly
• C. The mother's pulse becomes slower
• D. The fetal head begins to crown

Explanation: Placental separation is suggested by a firm, globular uterus, lengthening of the cord and a gush of blood.

• A. Dry the newborn thoroughly and maintain warmth
• B. Separate the newborn for routine bathing
• C. Suction the mouth and nose routinely
• D. Weigh the newborn before skin-to-skin contact

Explanation: Drying and maintaining warmth help prevent neonatal heat loss, and uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact supports adaptation and early…

• A. Engagement of the fetal head
• B. Descent of the fetal shoulders
• C. Extension of the fetal trunk
• D. Expulsion of the placenta

Explanation: Engagement means the widest diameter of the presenting part has passed through the pelvic inlet.

• A. It begins with regular contractions and ends with full cervical dilatation
• B. It begins with full cervical dilatation and ends with birth of the baby
• C. It begins with birth of the baby and ends with placental delivery
• D. It begins with placental delivery and ends with maternal recovery

Explanation: The first stage extends from the onset of true labour until the cervix is fully dilated.