NZ Midwifery Registration flashcards

34 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Physiological anaemia of pregnancy

Plasma volume increases more than red cell mass, diluting haemoglobin. This lowers Hb to around 105–110 g/L at term without true iron deficiency.

Ferguson reflex

Stretch of the cervix and vagina during labour stimulates oxytocin release, strengthening contractions. This positive feedback loop helps drive progress in labour.

Ductus arteriosus

Fetal shunt connecting the pulmonary artery to the aorta, bypassing the non-aerated lungs. It functionally closes after birth as oxygen rises and pulmonary blood flow increases.

Uterine atony

Failure of the uterus to contract after birth, allowing continued bleeding from the placental site. It is the most common cause of postpartum haemorrhage.

Placental anti-angiogenic factors

In pre-eclampsia, the ischaemic placenta releases factors such as sFlt-1 that disrupt maternal endothelial function, causing hypertension, proteinuria and organ dysfunction.

Nuchal translucency screening

First-trimester ultrasound measurement of fluid at the fetal neck combined with maternal serum markers. Performed between 11+2 and 13+6 weeks to estimate aneuploidy risk.

Anatomy ultrasound scan

Ultrasound offered at 18–20 weeks to assess fetal anatomy, placental position and amniotic fluid. It also confirms gestational age and multiple pregnancy.

Anti-D prophylaxis

Immunoglobulin given to non-sensitised RhD-negative women to prevent antibody formation. Routine third-trimester dose plus a dose within 72 hours after birth of an RhD-positive baby.

GBS risk-based prophylaxis

New Zealand does not universally culture-screen for group B streptococcus. Intrapartum antibiotics are offered when risk factors such as preterm labour or prolonged rupture of membranes are present.

Gestational diabetes screening

A 75 g oral glucose tolerance test offered at 24–28 weeks to women with risk factors. Earlier testing is used when risk is high.

Active first stage of labour

The period from about 4–5 cm cervical dilatation to full dilatation, with regular painful contractions and progressive cervical change. Progress is usually about 0.5–1 cm per hour in nulliparous women.

Intermittent auscultation

Listening to the fetal heart with a Doppler or Pinard stethoscope at set intervals. Recommended for low-risk labour, typically every 15–30 minutes in the first stage.

CTG baseline variability

Normal baseline variability is 5–25 beats per minute. Reduced variability can indicate fetal hypoxia, sleep, drugs or prematurity and requires further assessment.

Active management third stage

Use of a uterotonic, controlled cord traction and uterine assessment after birth. It reduces the risk of postpartum haemorrhage compared with expectant management.

Delayed cord clamping

Waiting at least one minute before clamping the cord in a well newborn. It improves iron stores and supports the transition to extrauterine circulation.

Newborn resuscitation sequence

Warm, dry, position and stimulate the newborn. If not breathing, provide positive pressure ventilation with air; add chest compressions if the heart rate stays below 60 bpm.

Lochia rubra

Red vaginal discharge in the first four days after birth. It should gradually lighten; offensive odour or large clots suggest infection or secondary haemorrhage.

Newborn weight loss

Loss of up to about 7–10% of birth weight in the first week is common. Birth weight should be regained by around 10–14 days.

Jaundice in first 24 hours

Jaundice appearing within the first day of life is always considered pathological. It requires urgent review and bilirubin measurement to exclude haemolysis or infection.

Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale

A validated screening questionnaire for postnatal depression and anxiety. A high score or thoughts of self-harm prompt urgent referral and safety assessment.

Well Child Tamariki Ora

A New Zealand universal health service offering scheduled assessments and support for children from birth to five years, including growth, development and immunisation.

Informed choice

Providing evidence-based information about benefits, risks and alternatives, checking understanding, and supporting the woman's decision. It is documented in the care record.

Valid consent

Consent that is voluntary, informed and given by a competent person. It can be withdrawn at any time and must be obtained before procedures.

Cultural safety

Practice in which the midwife examines their own biases and power, recognises colonisation and racism, and adapts care to the cultural needs of the woman and whānau.

Te Tiriti principles in health

Partnership, participation and protection, alongside equity, active protection and options. These principles guide culturally safe midwifery practice with Māori women and whānau.

Whānau-centred care

Including the woman's whānau in care planning as she wishes. It respects tikanga, such as care of the whenua and karakia, and supports collective decision-making.

Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act

The 2003 New Zealand statute establishing regulation of health practitioners, including the Midwifery Council, scope of practice, competence and disciplinary processes.

Midwifery scope of practice

The Midwifery Council-defined scope covering pregnancy, labour, birth and the postnatal period, including emergency measures and consultation or referral when required.

Health Information Privacy Code

The 2020 code governing collection, use and disclosure of health information in New Zealand. Information is shared with consent or where legally required.

Contemporaneous documentation

Recording assessments, advice, decisions and the woman's response at the time of the event. Entries are dated, timed, signed and attributable to the midwife.

Postpartum haemorrhage response

Assess tone, tissue, trauma and thrombin. Give oxytocin, perform bimanual uterine massage, give IV fluids, and escalate for transfer if bleeding continues.

Shoulder dystocia manoeuvres

Call for help and use McRoberts' manoeuvre with suprapubic pressure first. Consider internal rotational manoeuvres and document the head-to-body interval and manoeuvres used.

Cord prolapse management

Call for help, relieve cord compression with knee-chest or Trendelenburg positioning and elevation of the presenting part. Prepare for immediate birth or urgent transfer.

Magnesium sulphate in pre-eclampsia

The treatment for eclampsia and seizure prophylaxis in severe pre-eclampsia. It is given with close monitoring of respiratory rate, reflexes and urine output.