Antenatal Care # MCQs Practice set

Q.1 What is the primary purpose of antenatal care?

To ensure safe delivery and healthy mother and child
To plan family finances
To prepare the mother for breastfeeding only
To teach cooking skills
Explanation - Antenatal care aims to monitor the health of both mother and fetus, identify and manage complications, and provide education for a safe pregnancy and delivery.
Correct answer is: To ensure safe delivery and healthy mother and child

Q.2 Which of the following is a routine investigation during antenatal visits?

Complete blood count
ECG
MRI
X-ray of abdomen
Explanation - A complete blood count is done to detect anemia and infections, which are common assessments during antenatal care.
Correct answer is: Complete blood count

Q.3 How often should a low-risk pregnant woman visit her healthcare provider in the first 28 weeks of gestation?

Every 4 weeks
Every week
Every 2 weeks
Only once in the first trimester
Explanation - Standard antenatal guidelines recommend visits every 4 weeks during the first and second trimesters for low-risk pregnancies.
Correct answer is: Every 4 weeks

Q.4 Which vitamin is essential to prevent neural tube defects during early pregnancy?

Folic acid
Vitamin D
Vitamin B12
Vitamin C
Explanation - Folic acid supplementation before conception and during early pregnancy reduces the risk of neural tube defects in the fetus.
Correct answer is: Folic acid

Q.5 What is the recommended weight gain for a woman with normal BMI during pregnancy?

11.5–16 kg
5–8 kg
20–25 kg
1–5 kg
Explanation - For women with normal BMI (18.5–24.9), recommended weight gain is 11.5–16 kg during pregnancy to ensure fetal growth and maternal health.
Correct answer is: 11.5–16 kg

Q.6 Which of the following is a danger sign that requires immediate antenatal assessment?

Severe headache and blurred vision
Mild nausea
Occasional leg cramps
Fatigue
Explanation - Severe headache and blurred vision may indicate preeclampsia, which requires immediate medical attention.
Correct answer is: Severe headache and blurred vision

Q.7 When is the first antenatal visit ideally scheduled?

Before 12 weeks of gestation
After 20 weeks
At delivery
After 28 weeks
Explanation - Early antenatal visits help in early detection of risks, provide counseling, and initiate necessary supplements like folic acid.
Correct answer is: Before 12 weeks of gestation

Q.8 Which screening test is commonly done for gestational diabetes?

Oral glucose tolerance test
Lipid profile
Thyroid function test
Complete blood count
Explanation - The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) between 24–28 weeks helps detect gestational diabetes.
Correct answer is: Oral glucose tolerance test

Q.9 Why is blood pressure monitoring important during pregnancy?

To detect preeclampsia or hypertension
To measure heart rate
To check for anemia
To determine fetal growth
Explanation - Regular blood pressure checks help in early identification of hypertensive disorders, which can be dangerous for mother and fetus.
Correct answer is: To detect preeclampsia or hypertension

Q.10 Which immunization is recommended during pregnancy to prevent pertussis in the newborn?

Tdap
MMR
Hepatitis B
Influenza
Explanation - The Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) is recommended during pregnancy, ideally in the third trimester, to protect the newborn from pertussis.
Correct answer is: Tdap

Q.11 Which of the following lifestyle modifications is advised during pregnancy?

Avoid smoking and alcohol
Increase heavy exercise
Consume unpasteurized cheese
Take high-dose vitamin A supplements
Explanation - Smoking and alcohol can harm fetal development, and their avoidance is critical for a healthy pregnancy.
Correct answer is: Avoid smoking and alcohol

Q.12 What is the purpose of fundal height measurement?

To assess fetal growth and development
To check maternal heart rate
To detect maternal anemia
To measure blood glucose
Explanation - Fundal height measurements help monitor fetal growth and detect potential growth restrictions or multiple pregnancies.
Correct answer is: To assess fetal growth and development

Q.13 Which dietary component is particularly important to prevent anemia in pregnancy?

Iron
Calcium
Vitamin C
Vitamin D
Explanation - Iron supplementation or iron-rich foods are essential to prevent maternal anemia, which is common during pregnancy.
Correct answer is: Iron

Q.14 How often is fetal heart rate typically monitored during routine antenatal visits after 20 weeks?

Every visit
Once a month
Only during labor
Not required
Explanation - Monitoring fetal heart rate helps assess fetal well-being and detect distress early.
Correct answer is: Every visit

Q.15 Which of the following symptoms may indicate preterm labor?

Regular uterine contractions before 37 weeks
Mild leg swelling
Heartburn
Shortness of breath
Explanation - Contractions before 37 weeks may indicate preterm labor and require immediate medical attention.
Correct answer is: Regular uterine contractions before 37 weeks

Q.16 What is the recommended daily calcium intake during pregnancy for an adult woman?

1000 mg
500 mg
1500 mg
200 mg
Explanation - Adequate calcium intake supports fetal skeletal development and prevents maternal bone loss.
Correct answer is: 1000 mg

Q.17 Which condition is characterized by high blood pressure and protein in urine during pregnancy?

Preeclampsia
Hyperemesis gravidarum
Gestational diabetes
Placenta previa
Explanation - Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy marked by high BP and proteinuria, requiring careful monitoring.
Correct answer is: Preeclampsia

Q.18 Which of the following assessments is done to check fetal position near term?

Leopold maneuvers
Fundal height measurement
Blood pressure monitoring
Urine analysis
Explanation - Leopold maneuvers help determine fetal lie, presentation, and position, which are important for delivery planning.
Correct answer is: Leopold maneuvers

Q.19 Why is monitoring weight important during pregnancy?

To assess maternal and fetal nutritional status
To check blood sugar
To evaluate heart health
To measure fundal height
Explanation - Weight monitoring helps detect inadequate or excessive weight gain, both of which may affect maternal and fetal health.
Correct answer is: To assess maternal and fetal nutritional status

Q.20 Which test is used to screen for anemia in pregnancy?

Hemoglobin estimation
Urine analysis
Blood glucose
Ultrasound
Explanation - Measuring hemoglobin levels helps detect anemia early, allowing timely intervention.
Correct answer is: Hemoglobin estimation

Q.21 Which condition can be prevented by Rh immunoglobulin administration during pregnancy?

Hemolytic disease of the newborn
Gestational diabetes
Preterm labor
Preeclampsia
Explanation - Rh-negative mothers receive Rh immunoglobulin to prevent isoimmunization and hemolytic disease in future pregnancies.
Correct answer is: Hemolytic disease of the newborn

Q.22 Which of the following is recommended to manage mild nausea during early pregnancy?

Eating small, frequent meals
Skipping meals
Taking alcohol
Heavy exercise
Explanation - Small frequent meals and avoiding triggers help reduce nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy.
Correct answer is: Eating small, frequent meals

Q.23 Which of the following should be avoided to reduce the risk of toxoplasmosis during pregnancy?

Undercooked meat and contact with cat feces
Vegetables and fruits
Pasteurized milk
Swimming in pools
Explanation - Toxoplasmosis can harm the fetus; proper food handling and avoiding cat litter help reduce risk.
Correct answer is: Undercooked meat and contact with cat feces

Q.24 Which of the following is an appropriate exercise recommendation during uncomplicated pregnancy?

Moderate aerobic exercise like walking or swimming
Heavy weightlifting
Contact sports
High-intensity interval training
Explanation - Moderate exercise improves maternal health, reduces gestational complications, and promotes well-being when pregnancy is uncomplicated.
Correct answer is: Moderate aerobic exercise like walking or swimming