Antenatal Care # MCQs Practice set

Q.1 What is the recommended number of antenatal visits for a normal pregnancy according to WHO guidelines?

4
6
8
10
Explanation - The WHO recommends at least 8 antenatal visits for optimal maternal and fetal outcomes.
Correct answer is: 8

Q.2 Which supplement is universally recommended during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects?

Vitamin C
Folic Acid
Iron
Calcium
Explanation - Folic acid is essential to prevent neural tube defects and should be taken before conception and during early pregnancy.
Correct answer is: Folic Acid

Q.3 At what gestational age is the first ultrasound scan typically recommended?

6-8 weeks
11-14 weeks
20 weeks
28 weeks
Explanation - The first trimester ultrasound between 11–14 weeks helps in dating the pregnancy and detecting major anomalies.
Correct answer is: 11-14 weeks

Q.4 Which of the following is NOT a routine component of antenatal care?

Blood pressure measurement
Urine analysis
Fundal height measurement
Spinal X-ray
Explanation - Spinal X-ray is not a routine component; it is contraindicated unless absolutely necessary due to radiation risks.
Correct answer is: Spinal X-ray

Q.5 Which infection is commonly screened during the first antenatal visit?

HIV
Influenza
COVID-19
Dengue
Explanation - HIV screening is recommended at the first antenatal visit to prevent vertical transmission.
Correct answer is: HIV

Q.6 What is the recommended daily iron dose for pregnant women?

15 mg
30 mg
60 mg
120 mg
Explanation - WHO recommends 30–60 mg elemental iron daily; 60 mg is often used in high-risk areas.
Correct answer is: 60 mg

Q.7 When is the anomaly scan usually performed?

10 weeks
16 weeks
20 weeks
30 weeks
Explanation - The anomaly scan is usually performed around 18–22 weeks to detect structural abnormalities.
Correct answer is: 20 weeks

Q.8 Which condition is most associated with gestational hypertension?

Anemia
Pre-eclampsia
Gestational diabetes
Hyperthyroidism
Explanation - Gestational hypertension may progress to pre-eclampsia, characterized by proteinuria and end-organ dysfunction.
Correct answer is: Pre-eclampsia

Q.9 Which vaccination is recommended during pregnancy to prevent neonatal tetanus?

MMR
TT
BCG
Hepatitis B
Explanation - Tetanus toxoid (TT) vaccination is recommended during pregnancy to prevent neonatal tetanus.
Correct answer is: TT

Q.10 What is the normal expected weight gain during pregnancy for a woman with normal BMI?

3–5 kg
5–9 kg
11–16 kg
20–25 kg
Explanation - Normal weight gain for women with normal BMI is around 11–16 kg across the pregnancy.
Correct answer is: 11–16 kg

Q.11 Which hormone is primarily responsible for maintaining pregnancy in the first trimester?

Estrogen
Progesterone
Prolactin
Oxytocin
Explanation - Progesterone supports the endometrium and prevents uterine contractions in early pregnancy.
Correct answer is: Progesterone

Q.12 At what gestational week is gestational diabetes typically screened?

8 weeks
12 weeks
24–28 weeks
36 weeks
Explanation - Gestational diabetes is screened between 24–28 weeks with glucose tolerance tests.
Correct answer is: 24–28 weeks

Q.13 Which of the following is a danger sign during pregnancy?

Mild nausea
Headache with blurred vision
Increased appetite
Mild ankle swelling
Explanation - Headache with blurred vision is a warning sign of pre-eclampsia and requires urgent evaluation.
Correct answer is: Headache with blurred vision

Q.14 What is the purpose of Rh immunoglobulin during pregnancy?

Prevent anemia
Prevent Rh sensitization
Prevent infection
Prevent miscarriage
Explanation - Rh immunoglobulin prevents maternal sensitization in Rh-negative mothers carrying Rh-positive fetuses.
Correct answer is: Prevent Rh sensitization

Q.15 Which micronutrient deficiency is most associated with megaloblastic anemia in pregnancy?

Iron
Folate
Iodine
Vitamin A
Explanation - Folate deficiency leads to megaloblastic anemia, commonly seen in pregnancy.
Correct answer is: Folate

Q.16 When should the first antenatal visit ideally occur?

Before 12 weeks
16 weeks
20 weeks
28 weeks
Explanation - The first antenatal visit should occur in the first trimester, ideally before 12 weeks.
Correct answer is: Before 12 weeks

Q.17 Which test is used to detect proteinuria in pregnancy?

Dipstick test
CBC
Blood sugar test
Liver function test
Explanation - A simple urine dipstick test is used to detect proteinuria during pregnancy.
Correct answer is: Dipstick test

Q.18 Which physiological change is normal in pregnancy?

Decreased cardiac output
Increased plasma volume
Decreased renal blood flow
Decreased tidal volume
Explanation - Pregnancy increases plasma volume by about 40–50% to support maternal and fetal needs.
Correct answer is: Increased plasma volume

Q.19 Which of the following is most likely to cause maternal anemia?

Iron deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency
Iodine deficiency
Zinc deficiency
Explanation - Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia during pregnancy worldwide.
Correct answer is: Iron deficiency

Q.20 Which diagnostic test confirms pregnancy earliest?

Ultrasound
Urine hCG test
Serum hCG test
Abdominal palpation
Explanation - Serum hCG test can detect pregnancy within days of conception, earlier than urine tests or ultrasound.
Correct answer is: Serum hCG test

Q.21 Which condition is characterized by severe nausea and vomiting in pregnancy?

Pre-eclampsia
Hyperemesis gravidarum
Placenta previa
Gestational diabetes
Explanation - Hyperemesis gravidarum is severe persistent vomiting in pregnancy, leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
Correct answer is: Hyperemesis gravidarum

Q.22 Which screening is recommended for all pregnant women at 35–37 weeks?

Rubella
Group B Streptococcus
Hepatitis C
Malaria
Explanation - GBS screening is recommended at 35–37 weeks to reduce neonatal sepsis risk.
Correct answer is: Group B Streptococcus

Q.23 Which of the following is a physiological cardiovascular change in pregnancy?

Bradycardia
Increased heart rate
Decreased stroke volume
Decreased cardiac output
Explanation - Maternal heart rate increases by about 10–15 beats per minute during pregnancy.
Correct answer is: Increased heart rate

Q.24 What is the purpose of fundal height measurement?

Check maternal weight
Assess fetal growth
Measure pelvic size
Diagnose anemia
Explanation - Fundal height measurement helps estimate fetal growth and gestational age.
Correct answer is: Assess fetal growth

Q.25 Which condition is screened using the oral glucose tolerance test?

Gestational diabetes
Pre-eclampsia
Anemia
Hypothyroidism
Explanation - Oral glucose tolerance test is the standard diagnostic test for gestational diabetes.
Correct answer is: Gestational diabetes