Mongolia Midwife Licensing Exam key terms

The length of a pregnancy measured in completed weeks from the first day of the last menstrual period, or corrected by early ultrasound. It guides screening schedules, fetal growth assessment and decisions about preterm or post-term care.

The estimated calendar date when a pregnancy reaches 40 weeks, calculated from the last menstrual period using Naegele's rule or from first-trimester ultrasound. It is a reference point, not a deadline for birth.

An ultrasound scan, ideally before 14 weeks, that measures crown-rump length or biparietal diameter to establish gestational age. Early scanning is the most accurate method and reduces unnecessary induction for post-term pregnancy.

The distance in centimetres from the pubic symphysis to the top of the uterus, measured with a tape from about 24 weeks. It should roughly match gestational weeks and is used to screen for growth restriction or excess fluid.

The planned number and timing of pregnancy visits, commonly at least eight contacts as recommended by WHO. The schedule includes screening, supplementation, education and referral, with more visits when risk factors are present.

Tests offered to all pregnant women to identify conditions such as anaemia, syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B, blood group incompatibility and gestational diabetes. Screening is offered routinely, while diagnosis requires confirmatory testing and counselling.

Gravida is the total number of pregnancies a woman has had, including the current one. Para is the number of births after 20 weeks or of a viable fetus, regardless of outcome. Both are recorded at first contact.

A structured record of previous pregnancies, births, miscarriages, abortions, complications, surgeries and outcomes. It informs risk assessment and planning for the current pregnancy and birth.

The process of identifying medical, obstetric, social and psychological factors that raise the chance of complications. Findings determine the level of care, referral to a doctor and the place of birth.

A hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, usually after 20 weeks, defined by raised blood pressure with proteinuria or other organ involvement. It can progress rapidly to seizures, liver and kidney injury, and fetal growth restriction.

Pre-eclampsia with features such as very high blood pressure, headache, visual disturbance, upper abdominal pain, reduced urine output or abnormal blood tests. It requires urgent admission, antihypertensive treatment, magnesium sulphate and planned birth.

The occurrence of generalised seizures in a woman with pre-eclampsia, without another cause. It is a life-threatening emergency needing airway support, magnesium sulphate, blood pressure control and urgent birth.

A severe variant of pre-eclampsia marked by haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets. It may present with right upper abdominal pain, nausea and malaise, and demands urgent specialist care and often early birth.

A medicine given intravenously or intramuscularly to prevent and treat seizures in severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. Staff monitor respiration, urine output and deep tendon reflexes because toxicity can cause respiratory depression.

Bleeding of 500 mL or more after vaginal birth, or 1000 mL or more after caesarean, or any bleeding causing haemodynamic instability. Uterine atony is the most common cause and requires prompt uterotonic treatment.

Failure of the uterus to contract firmly after birth, allowing heavy bleeding from the placental site. Risk factors include prolonged labour, overdistension and high parity. Treatment includes massage, uterotonics and, if needed, compression or surgery.

A package of interventions to reduce postpartum bleeding: a prophylactic uterotonic, controlled cord traction and uterine massage or assessment of tone. It is recommended for all births, with adjustments for setting and preference.

A first-aid manoeuvre for atonic bleeding in which one hand compresses the uterus through the abdomen while the other compresses the lower segment vaginally. It stabilises the woman while uterotonics and transfer are arranged.

A graphic record of labour progress, cervical dilatation, fetal heart rate, contractions and maternal observations. It helps detect slow progress and fetal distress early, prompting timely referral rather than prolonged obstructed labour.

Labour in which the fetus cannot descend because of a mechanical barrier, such as cephalopelvic disproportion or malposition. Signs include a Bandl ring, constant pain and no progress. It is an emergency requiring caesarean birth.

Labour that exceeds expected time limits for cervical dilatation or the second stage. It increases the risk of exhaustion, infection, fetal distress and postpartum haemorrhage, and requires reassessment, support and possible referral.

Intermittent auscultation or continuous cardiotocography to assess fetal wellbeing during labour. Abnormal patterns such as persistent decelerations or bradycardia require repositioning, oxygen, fluid and urgent escalation.

A clinical concern that the fetus is not tolerating labour, suggested by abnormal heart rate patterns or meconium-stained fluid. It calls for maternal repositioning, stopping oxytocin, assessment and preparation for expedited birth.

Passage of fetal stool before birth, which may signal fetal compromise, especially when thick. It requires close fetal monitoring and, at birth, assessment and airway clearance if the newborn is not vigorous.

Birth before 37 completed weeks of gestation. It is a leading cause of newborn death and illness, so identifying threatened preterm labour and arranging transfer to a facility with newborn care is critical.

Continuous skin-to-skin contact between a newborn, usually preterm or low birth weight, and the mother or another caregiver, with exclusive breastfeeding support. It improves temperature control, feeding and survival.

A stepwise response to a baby who is not breathing well at birth: warming, drying, stimulation, airway positioning and positive pressure ventilation with a bag and mask. It follows a structured algorithm and is practised by all birth attendants.

A rapid assessment at one and five minutes after birth of heart rate, breathing, muscle tone, reflex response and colour. It describes the newborn's condition and response to resuscitation but does not alone diagnose asphyxia.

Keeping a newborn warm through drying, skin-to-skin contact, hats and a warm environment. Newborns lose heat easily and hypothermia increases feeding problems, infection and death, so temperature is checked regularly.

Feeding an infant only breast milk, with no water, formula or other foods, for the first six months, then continuing breastfeeding with complementary foods. Early initiation within one hour and correct attachment are key.

A family planning method that relies on full breastfeeding, no return of menstruation and a baby under six months. When all three conditions are met, protection from pregnancy is high but not absolute.

A person-centred discussion that helps a client choose a method matching their health, preferences and circumstances. It includes accurate information on effectiveness, side effects, correct use and return to fertility, without pressure.

Methods used after unprotected intercourse to prevent pregnancy, such as emergency contraceptive pills or a copper intrauterine device. They are more effective the sooner they are started and do not cause abortion.

A person's voluntary agreement to a procedure or treatment after receiving understandable information about benefits, risks, alternatives and the right to refuse. It must be documented and can be withdrawn at any time.

The duty to protect personal health information and share it only with those who need it for care, or with the client's permission, unless the law requires disclosure. Breach damages trust and can be a professional violation.

The range of activities a midwife is educated, authorised and competent to perform under national law and facility policy. Working outside it, or failing to refer when required, is unsafe and may be unlawful.

The agreed process for moving a woman or newborn to a higher level of care, including criteria, communication, transport and feedback. Clear pathways reduce delays that contribute to maternal and newborn deaths.

Care that maintains dignity, privacy and confidentiality, supports informed choice and freedom from mistreatment or coercion. It is both a rights obligation and a quality strategy that encourages women to seek care early.

Cleaning hands with soap and water or alcohol-based rub at the WHO's five key moments, including before touching a patient and after body fluid exposure. It is the single most effective measure against health-care-associated infection.

Routine infection control practices applied to all patients, including hand hygiene, gloves, gowns, eye protection, safe sharps handling and waste disposal. They assume every person may carry a bloodborne infection.

Practices that keep equipment and wounds free from microorganisms during procedures such as catheterisation, suturing or cord care. It includes sterile supplies, hand antisepsis, a clean field and avoiding unnecessary contamination.

Clinical decisions that combine the best available research, the midwife's expertise and the woman's values and preferences. It means questioning routine practices and using current guidelines rather than tradition alone.

A structured review of care against agreed standards, followed by action to improve practice and re-audit. It identifies gaps such as delayed referrals or unnecessary interventions and supports quality improvement.

A confidential, non-punitive review of the circumstances of a maternal death to identify avoidable factors and system failures. Findings inform changes in policy, training and service organisation rather than blame of individuals.

Enabling people to increase control over and improve their health through information, skills and supportive environments. In midwifery it includes nutrition, danger-sign education, birth preparedness and family planning counselling.

A plan made with the woman and family during pregnancy covering place of birth, transport, money, blood donor and a companion. It shortens delays in seeking care when labour or a complication begins.

A fetus or newborn whose weight is below the 10th centile for its gestational age. It may reflect growth restriction or constitutional smallness and requires assessment of growth, wellbeing and feeding after birth.

Glucose intolerance first recognised during pregnancy. It raises risks of macrosomia, birth trauma and pre-eclampsia, and is managed with diet, activity, glucose monitoring and insulin when needed.

A woman who has given birth five or more times after viability. It is associated with higher risks of postpartum haemorrhage, abnormal fetal position and uterine rupture, so labour needs closer monitoring.