Maternal and Child Health Care
Domain 6: Maternal and Child Health Care
This domain tests antenatal, intranatal and postnatal care, newborn care, breastfeeding, immunisation and family planning. The exam favours danger signs and correct timing.
Core rules
- Antenatal: register early, check BP, weight, haemoglobin, urine and fetal growth; advise iron–folic acid and calcium; warn about bleeding, severe headache, blurred vision, convulsions, fever and reduced fetal movement.
- Newborn: dry, warm, skin-to-skin; start breastfeeding within one hour; exclusive breastfeeding for six months; no water, honey or ghutti; keep the cord clean and dry.
- Immunisation: BCG, hepatitis B birth dose and OPV-0 at birth; at 6 weeks DPT, OPV, hepatitis B, Hib, rotavirus and PCV; measles–rubella at 9 months; boosters later.
- Postnatal: check mother for bleeding, infection and anaemia; counsel on family planning and danger signs.
- Kangaroo mother care gives skin-to-skin warmth and support for low-birth-weight babies.
Worked example
A mother says her 10-day-old baby is feeding poorly and feels cold. Reasoning: poor feeding and coldness are newborn danger signs. Check temperature and breathing, keep the baby warm with skin-to-skin contact and refer urgently; do not give home remedies.
Traps
Discarding colostrum; giving water in the first six months; applying oil or ash to the cord; delaying referral for convulsions.