NZ Midwifery Registration study plan

Draw and label the pelvic bones, pelvic diameters and fetal skull landmarks from memory, then explain how each diameter influences descent and rotation in labour.

Explain the hormonal cascade of parturition (progesterone withdrawal, oestrogen, oxytocin receptor upregulation, prostaglandins) and write a 200-word summary linking it to onset of labour.

Compare the physiology of the three stages of labour, listing myometrial activity, cervical change and fetal adaptation for each.

Build a one-page table of maternal cardiovascular, respiratory and haematological adaptations to pregnancy with the clinical implication of each.

Explain placental development, circulation and transfer of oxygen, nutrients and drugs, and describe the pathophysiology of placental insufficiency.

Describe the pathophysiology of the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, HELLP) and link each to observable clinical signs.

Outline the physiology of lactation (prolactin, oxytocin, milk ejection reflex, feedback inhibitor of lactation) and identify three factors that disrupt it.

Explain normal blood loss mechanisms after birth and the pathophysiology of uterine atony, retained placenta and genital tract trauma.

Map the schedule of routine antenatal contacts and specify the assessments and discussions appropriate at each visit.

Explain the purpose, timing, sensitivity and specificity of first-trimester combined screening, NIPT and second-trimester anatomy scanning, and describe how to present these options for informed choice.

Identify antenatal risk factors (medical, obstetric, social, psychological) and categorise each as midwifery-managed, consult, or refer, citing the relevant referral pathway.

Practise taking a structured antenatal history and documenting it against a standard antenatal record.

Describe how to assess labour onset, progress and fetal wellbeing using abdominal palpation, vaginal examination findings, auscultation and cardiotocograph interpretation.

Interpret 10 cardiotocograph patterns (baseline, variability, accelerations, decelerations) and state the correct action for each category.

Explain the mechanism of normal birth (the seven cardinal movements) and the immediate newborn care steps: drying, warmth, assessment, skin-to-skin and delayed cord clamping.

Outline the physiology and midwifery management of the third stage, including active versus physiological management and controlled cord traction.

Practise documenting a full labour and birth record that meets professional documentation standards.

Describe postnatal assessment of the woman in the first six weeks: uterine involution, lochia, perineal healing, thromboembolic and sepsis warning signs, and mood screening.

Explain newborn transition to extrauterine life, feeding cues, weight loss thresholds, jaundice assessment and newborn screening and vitamin K schedules.

Outline breastfeeding positioning, attachment, supply and common problems (engorgement, mastitis, nipple trauma, low supply) with a midwifery response for each.

Describe the emotional and social transition to parenting, including recognition of perinatal mental health concerns and appropriate referral.

Apply a shared decision-making model to two scenarios (e.g. induction of labour, vitamin K) and script how you would present benefits, risks and alternatives without coercion.

Explain the requirements of informed consent and informed choice in midwifery, including documentation of declined interventions and escalation when a woman declines recommended care.

Explain Te Tiriti o Waitangi articles and their application to midwifery practice, and identify how institutional racism and bias contribute to inequitable maternity outcomes for Māori.

Describe culturally safe practice with whānau, hapū and iwi, including whanaungatanga, manaakitanga, tikanga around birth and when to engage kaumātua or Māori health providers.

Reflect on your own cultural positioning and identify three specific practice changes to strengthen partnership with Māori women and whānau.

State the scope of practice for a registered midwife and distinguish midwifery autonomy from situations requiring consultation or referral.

Explain the legal and ethical frameworks governing practice, including privacy, consent, mandatory reporting, competence and the role of the regulatory authority and professional standards.

Apply a documentation standard to a sample case, correcting deficiencies in timeliness, objectivity, consent recording and continuity.

Analyse two ethical dilemmas (e.g. conscientious objection, confidentiality in a family violence disclosure) using a structured decision-making framework.

Describe recognition and immediate midwifery response to postpartum haemorrhage, shoulder dystocia, maternal collapse, cord prolapse, pre-eclampsia/eclampsia and neonatal resuscitation.

Map the consultation and transfer pathway for each emergency, including who to call, what to prepare and what to document.

Revisit the highest-yield domain 1 concepts flagged as weak in earlier weeks and correct them.

Complete a full-length timed mock examination under exam conditions and review every error by domain.