Programme: Diploma Midwifery
Subject/Course Unit: Antenatal Care
Topic: Antenatal Care and Focused Assessment
Learning objectives
- Explain the purpose of antenatal care.
- Identify important components of focused antenatal assessment.
- Recognize findings that require further assessment or referral.
Study lesson
Antenatal care provides opportunities to promote maternal and fetal wellbeing, identify risks, prevent complications, provide education and plan appropriate care. Assessment should be respectful, systematic and based on the woman’s history, examination, investigations and individual needs.
Core assessment areas
- Pregnancy and health history.
- Maternal observations according to approved guidance.
- Assessment of fetal wellbeing according to gestational age and local protocols.
- Health education, preventive interventions and birth-preparedness counselling.
- Timely assessment and referral of concerning findings.
Study resource
WHO Pregnancy, Childbirth, Postpartum and Newborn Care: Guide for Essential Practice
Interactive MCQs
1. What is a major purpose of antenatal care?
A. Promote maternal and fetal wellbeing and identify risks early
B. Replace care during labour
C. Eliminate every pregnancy complication
D. Avoid all investigations
Answer: A
2. Which should be included in antenatal assessment?
A. Pregnancy history and appropriate maternal assessment
B. Only the woman’s age
C. Only fetal assessment
D. Only laboratory results
Answer: A
3. What should happen when a concerning finding is identified?
A. Ignore it if the woman feels well
B. Assess further and manage or refer according to guidance
C. Wait until delivery
D. Automatically discharge the woman
Answer: B
Revision
Antenatal care combines assessment, prevention, education, counselling and timely referral throughout pregnancy. Use current approved clinical guidance for practice.
Programme note: This lesson is specifically for Diploma Midwifery. It should only be shared with another programme when the curriculum identifies the same competency or learning outcome.
Disclaimer: This lesson supports learning and does not replace approved curriculum documents, institutional teaching, clinical supervision or professional guidance.