Maternal-Fetal Medicine Practice Questions

Q: Consider the following statements regarding pregnancy with Rh isoimmunization: 1. Indirect coombs test is performed in mother 2. Methergin is withheld at delivery of anterior shoulder 3. Middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity is an accurate method to predict fetal anemia Which of the statements given above are correct?

1 and 3 only. ***1 and 3 only*** - The **indirect Coombs test (IAT)** is performed on the mother's serum to detect **Rh antibodies**, which is essential for diagnosing and monitoring Rh isoimmunization. - **Middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity (MCA-PSV)** >1.5 MoM is a non-invasive and highly accurate ultrasound method to predict moderate to severe **fetal anemia** in Rh-isoimmunized pregnancies, guiding the need for intrauterine transfusion. - Statement 2 is **incorrect**: While minimizing fetomaternal hemorrhage is important in Rh isoimmunization, there is **no specific evidence-based guideline** that Methergine should be routinely withheld at delivery of the anterior shoulder in Rh-negative mothers. The focus is on **timely Anti-D administration** (within 72 hours postpartum) rather than avoiding specific uterotonics. *1 and 2 only* - Statement 1 is correct, but statement 2 is incorrect. - Methergine (methylergonovine) is not specifically contraindicated in Rh isoimmunization; its main contraindications include **hypertension and preeclampsia** due to vasoconstrictive effects. - Prevention of Rh sensitization focuses on **Anti-D immunoglobulin administration**, not withholding uterotonics. *2 and 3 only* - Statement 3 is correct regarding **MCA-PSV** accuracy for fetal anemia detection. - Statement 2 is incorrect: Methergine withholding is not a standard practice specifically for Rh isoimmunization management. *1, 2 and 3* - Statements 1 and 3 are correct. - Statement 2 is incorrect: There is no established protocol to withhold Methergine at delivery of the anterior shoulder specifically for Rh isoimmunization. Management focuses on **preventing sensitization through Anti-D prophylaxis**, **monitoring with antibody titers**, and **detecting fetal anemia via MCA-PSV**, not on avoiding specific uterotonics.

Q: Which of the following is NOT the hormonal basis for hyperemesis gravidarum?

Excess of Human Placental Lactogen. ***Excess of Human Placental Lactogen*** - **Human placental lactogen (hPL)** is primarily involved in **metabolic adaptation** during pregnancy, promoting insulin resistance and glucose availability for the fetus. - While essential for fetal growth, hPL has **no direct causal link** to the pathophysiology of nausea and vomiting in hyperemesis gravidarum. *High serum levels of Estrogen* - **Elevated estrogen levels** during pregnancy are believed to contribute to nausea and vomiting by affecting **gastrointestinal motility** and the central chemoreceptor trigger zone. - The rapid increase and high concentrations of estrogen correlate with the severity of symptoms in many pregnant women. *Excess of Progesterone* - **High progesterone levels** can cause **relaxation of smooth muscle**, including that of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to delayed gastric emptying and increased gastroesophageal reflux. - These effects can exacerbate nausea and vomiting, making it a contributing factor to hyperemesis gravidarum. *Excess of Chorionic Gonadotropin* - **High levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)** are strongly implicated in the etiology of hyperemesis gravidarum, with symptoms often correlating with peaks in hCG levels in early pregnancy. - hCG is thought to stimulate the **thyroid gland** (due to structural similarity to TSH) and directly affect the **chemoreceptor trigger zone** in the brain, inducing nausea and vomiting.

Q: The initial prevention strategy for antiphospholipid syndrome will be: 1. Steroids 2. Heparin 3. Low dose aspirin 4. Progesterone support Which of the above is/are correct?

2 and 3. ***2 and 3*** - For pregnant women with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), a combination of **low-dose aspirin** and **low molecular weight heparin (LMWH)** or **unfractionated heparin (UFH)** is the most widely accepted and effective initial prevention strategy to prevent pregnancy complications. - **Low-dose aspirin** helps reduce platelet aggregation, while **heparin** inhibits coagulation, addressing both thrombotic tendencies associated with APS. *1 and 4* - **Steroids** are typically reserved for severe manifestations of APS, such as catastrophic APS or refractory cases, and are not part of the initial standard preventative regimen. - **Progesterone support** is indicated for threatened miscarriage or luteal phase defect but does not address the underlying thrombotic risk in APS for pregnancy prevention. *3 only* - While **low-dose aspirin** is an important component, it is insufficient on its own for preventing pregnancy complications in women with antiphospholipid syndrome due to the high thrombotic risk. - **Heparin**, either LMWH or UFH, is crucial to provide adequate anticoagulation and is always used in conjunction with aspirin for initial prevention. *3 and 4* - **Low-dose aspirin** is appropriate, but **progesterone support** (4) is not a primary measure for preventing thrombotic events or pregnancy complications specifically linked to antiphospholipid syndrome. - The critical missing component in this option is **heparin**, which is essential for anticoagulation in APS pregnancies.

Q: Common clinical presentations of moderate to severe abruption are all EXCEPT:

Prolonged labour. ***Prolonged labour*** - While **placental abruption** can sometimes lead to **uterine dysfunction** and difficulties in labor progression, **prolonged labor** is *not* a characteristic or common clinical presentation of an abruption itself. - The primary concerns with abruption are **hemorrhage**, **fetal compromise**, and rapid progression to delivery due to **uterine irritability**. *Uterine tenderness* - **Uterine tenderness** is a classic and common sign of **placental abruption**, resulting from the extravasation of blood into the myometrium. - This tenderness is often localized over the site of the abruption and can range from mild to severe depending on the extent of the blood collection. *Unexplained preterm labour* - **Placental abruption** is a known cause of **preterm labor**, often presenting as uterine contractions and pain. - The irritation of the uterus by blood and the presence of **prostaglandins** released during the abruption process can trigger premature contractions. *Fetal distress* - **Fetal distress**, indicated by **non-reassuring fetal heart rate patterns** like decelerations or bradycardia, is a common and serious consequence of **placental abruption**. - This occurs due to the reduction in **placental perfusion** and oxygen exchange between the mother and fetus.

Q: Which one of the following is NOT a risk factor for the development of placenta previa?

Maternal anaemia. ***Maternal anaemia*** - **Maternal anaemia** is generally considered a *consequence* of conditions like antenatal hemorrhage from placenta previa, rather than a direct risk factor for its development. - While anaemia is common in pregnancy and can exacerbate outcomes, it does not independently increase the likelihood of the placenta implanting abnormally close to or over the cervical os. *Maternal age* - **Advanced maternal age** (typically over 35 years) is a well-established risk factor for placenta previa. - This is thought to be due to an increased incidence of pre-existing uterine abnormalities and degenerative changes in the endometrium. *Previous caesarean section* - A **previous caesarean section** significantly increases the risk of placenta previa due to the presence of a uterine scar. - The placenta may preferentially implant over the scar tissue, which can be less vascular, leading to a lower implantation and potentially previa. *Smoking* - **Smoking** during pregnancy is a recognized risk factor for placenta previa, potentially due to hypoxic-ischemic effects on the endometrium. - It may contribute to abnormal placentation by inducing compensatory placental hypertrophy and extending the placental surface area, increasing the chance of covering the cervical os.

Q: As per ICMR guidelines, which one of the following statements is true regarding COVID-19 infection in pregnancy?

Pregnant women with heart disease are at higher risk. ***Pregnant women with heart disease are at higher risk*** - Pre-existing **heart disease** is a significant risk factor for severe COVID-19 outcomes in pregnant women due to the increased physiological cardiac demands of both pregnancy and infection. - According to ICMR guidelines and global data, comorbidities like **cardiovascular disease** place pregnant individuals in a higher-risk category for severe illness. *COVID-19 pneumonia in pregnancy is more severe with poor recovery* - While pregnant women *can* develop severe COVID-19 pneumonia, the general consensus, including ICMR guidelines, states that most pregnant women experience **mild to moderate illness** and have a **good recovery**. - Pooled data indicates that the majority of pregnant women with COVID-19 will not develop severe pneumonia or experience poorer recovery *solely* due to pregnancy. *COVID-19 virus is secreted in breast milk* - Current evidence suggests that the **COVID-19 virus is generally not detectable** in breast milk. - ICMR and other major health organizations recommend that **mothers with COVID-19 continue breastfeeding**, as the benefits outweigh potential risks, and antibodies may be transferred. *Vaginal secretions always test positive for COVID-19 in pregnancy* - The primary transmission route for COVID-19 is through **respiratory droplets**, not vaginal secretions. - While some studies have detected viral RNA in vaginal secretions in a small percentage of cases, it is **not always positive** and is not considered a primary source of transmission.

Q: As per ICMR guidelines, which one of the following statements is true regarding effects of COVID-19 on fetus according to current evidence?

COVID-19 virus is not teratogenic. ***COVID-19 virus is not teratogenic*** - Current evidence, including ICMR guidelines, indicates that the COVID-19 virus itself does not cause **congenital malformations** or developmental abnormalities in the fetus, distinguishing it from truly **teratogenic agents**. - While maternal infection can have adverse outcomes, these are generally not due to direct fetal malformation from the virus. *COVID-19 virus infection is an indication of MTP* - **MTP (Medical Termination of Pregnancy)** is not indicated solely based on maternal COVID-19 infection, as the virus is not considered teratogenic and typically does not cause severe direct fetal harm requiring termination. - Ethical and medical guidelines do not support routine termination for uncomplicated maternal COVID-19. *There is increased risk of fetal growth restriction* - While severe maternal COVID-19 can rarely be associated with *some* adverse pregnancy outcomes, a consistently and significantly increased risk of **fetal growth restriction (FGR)** is not definitively established as a direct effect of the virus itself, especially in mild to moderate cases. - Other factors, such as severe maternal illness, hypoxia, or comorbidities, are more strongly linked to FGR. *There is increased risk of early pregnancy loss* - Data from various studies has not consistently shown a significant or direct increase in the risk of **early pregnancy loss** (miscarriage) specifically due to COVID-19 infection in early pregnancy. - While any maternal infection can theoretically increase risk, COVID-19 is not classified as a primary cause of increased early pregnancy loss based on current evidence.

Q: Consider the following statements regarding Non Stress Test (NST): 1. Reactive NST indicates a healthy fetus 2. NST is an observed association of fetal breathing with fetal movements 3. NST has a low false negative rate ( 50%) 4. Testing should be started at 20 weeks Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

1 and 3. ***1 and 3*** - A **reactive NST** indicates adequate fetal oxygenation and an intact autonomic nervous system, strongly suggesting a **healthy fetus**. - NST has excellent **sensitivity** for detecting fetal well-being, leading to a very **low false-negative rate** (less than 1%), but its relatively high rate of non-reactive results in healthy fetuses contributes to a **high false-positive rate** (over 50%). *1 and 4* - While statement 1 is correct, statement 4 is incorrect because NST testing is typically initiated at **28-32 weeks of gestation**, not 20 weeks, as fetal autonomic nervous system maturation is required. - At 20 weeks, the fetus often lacks the mature neurological responses necessary for a reliable NST. *2 only* - Statement 2 incorrectly describes NST; the NST observes the association of **fetal heart rate accelerations** with **fetal movements**, not fetal breathing. - Fetal breathing movements are typically assessed during a **biophysical profile**, not solely by NST. *3 only* - While statement 3 correctly describes the false negative and positive rates of NST, statement 1 is also correct, as a reactive NST is indeed a strong indicator of a healthy fetus. - This option is incomplete as it misses another correct statement.

Q: A G2P1L1 woman with a history of previous cesarean section presents with complications related to the placenta. The image below shows the gross appearance of the uterus. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Placenta accreta. ***Placenta accreta*** - A previous **cesarean section** is a strong risk factor for placenta accreta, as it can lead to scarring and defects in the uterine wall, allowing the placenta to implant too deeply. - The image suggests a placenta that is **firmly adhered and possibly invasive** into the uterine wall, making separation difficult, which is characteristic of accreta due to the absence of a proper decidual layer. *Uterine inversion* - This condition involves the **fundus of the uterus collapsing inward** or turning inside out, which is a clinical event during postpartum and not a morphological feature visible in a resected specimen like this. - The image shows an attached placenta within a uterine specimen, not an inverted uterus. *Placental abruption* - Placental abruption is the **premature separation of the placenta** from the uterine wall before delivery, often leading to retroplacental hemorrhage. - While it's a serious complication, the image does not show evidence of a separated placenta or a large retroplacental clot; instead, it depicts an abnormally adherent placenta. *Placenta previa* - Placenta previa occurs when the **placenta implants over the cervical os**, which would be diagnosed prenatally based on its location in the uterus. - The image does not provide information about the placental location relative to the cervix, but rather illustrates the manner of placental attachment.

Q: Which factor most strongly influences vertical transmission risk of hepatitis B from mother to infant?

Maternal HBeAg status. ***Maternal HBeAg status*** - A mother who is **HBeAg-positive** indicates high levels of ongoing **HBV replication** and viral load, leading to a significantly higher risk of vertical transmission (up to 90%) [1]. - The presence of **HBeAg** means the hepatitis B virus is actively replicating, making transmission readily possible during pregnancy and delivery [1]. *Breastfeeding* - **Breastfeeding** alone does not significantly increase the risk of hepatitis B transmission when the infant receives appropriate **immunoprophylaxis** at birth. - While HBV can be detected in breast milk, the risk of transmission through this route is considered **negligible** compared to in-utero or perinatal exposure. *Mode of delivery* - While there is some risk associated with both **vaginal** and **cesarean deliveries** due to exposure to maternal blood, the mode of delivery is not the strongest predictor of transmission. - The primary risk factor remains the mother's **viral load**, which is best indicated by HBeAg status, rather than how the baby is born [1]. *Gestational age at delivery* - **Prematurity** can potentially increase susceptibility to infection, but **gestational age** is not the primary determinant of hepatitis B vertical transmission risk. - The infectiousness of the mother (viral load and HBeAg status) is far more important than the infant's gestational age at delivery [1].

Question 1

Consider the following statements regarding pregnancy with Rh isoimmunization:

1. Indirect coombs test is performed in mother
2. Methergin is withheld at delivery of anterior shoulder
3. Middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity is an accurate method to predict fetal anemia Which of the statements given above are correct?

Accepted Answer

1 and 3 only

Answer

1 and 2 only

Answer

2 and 3 only

Answer

1, 2 and 3

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT the hormonal basis for hyperemesis gravidarum?

Accepted Answer

Excess of Human Placental Lactogen

Answer

High serum levels of Estrogen

Answer

Excess of Progesterone

Answer

Excess of Chorionic Gonadotropin

Question 3

The initial prevention strategy for antiphospholipid syndrome will be:
1. Steroids
2. Heparin
3. Low dose aspirin
4. Progesterone support
Which of the above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

2 and 3

Answer

1 and 4

Answer

3 only

Answer

3 and 4

Question 4

Common clinical presentations of moderate to severe abruption are all EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Prolonged labour

Answer

Uterine tenderness

Answer

Fetal distress

Answer

Unexplained preterm labour

Question 5

Which one of the following is NOT a risk factor for the development of placenta previa?

Accepted Answer

Maternal anaemia

Answer

Maternal age

Answer

Previous caesarean section

Answer

Smoking

Question 6

As per ICMR guidelines, which one of the following statements is true regarding COVID-19 infection in pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Pregnant women with heart disease are at higher risk

Answer

COVID-19 pneumonia in pregnancy is more severe with poor recovery

Answer

COVID-19 virus is secreted in breast milk

Answer

Vaginal secretions always test positive for COVID-19 in pregnancy

Question 7

As per ICMR guidelines, which one of the following statements is true regarding effects of COVID-19 on fetus according to current evidence?

Accepted Answer

COVID-19 virus is not teratogenic

Answer

COVID-19 virus infection is an indication of MTP

Answer

There is increased risk of fetal growth restriction

Answer

There is increased risk of early pregnancy loss

Question 8

Consider the following statements regarding Non Stress Test (NST):

1. Reactive NST indicates a healthy fetus
2. NST is an observed association of fetal breathing with fetal movements
3. NST has a low false negative rate (< 1%) but high false positive rate (>50%)
4. Testing should be started at 20 weeks Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

1 and 3

Answer

1 and 4

Answer

2 only

Answer

3 only

Question 9

A G2P1L1 woman with a history of previous cesarean section presents with complications related to the placenta. The image below shows the gross appearance of the uterus. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Placenta accreta

Answer

Uterine inversion

Answer

Placental abruption

Answer

Placenta previa

Question 10

Which factor most strongly influences vertical transmission risk of hepatitis B from mother to infant?

Accepted Answer

Maternal HBeAg status

Answer

Breastfeeding

Answer

Mode of delivery

Answer

Gestational age at delivery

Maternal-Fetal Medicine — MCQs

Maternal-Fetal Medicine — MCQs

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