NMC Midwifery OSCE key terms

A single-page graphic record on which cervical dilatation, fetal head descent, contractions, fetal heart rate and maternal observations are plotted against time in labour, so that slow progress is recognised early.

The opening of the cervix measured in centimetres during a vaginal examination in labour; full dilatation is about 10 cm and marks the start of the second stage.

The length of a pregnancy in completed weeks, counted from the first day of the last menstrual period and usually confirmed by early ultrasound; it guides screening, growth assessment and decisions about preterm or post-term care.

The distance in centimetres from the pubic symphysis to the top of the uterus, measured from about 24 weeks to screen for fetal growth restriction or macrosomia.

A continuous electronic recording of fetal heart rate alongside uterine contractions, used to assess fetal wellbeing in pregnancy and labour and classified as normal, suspicious or pathological.

The average fetal heart rate over a ten-minute period of a CTG trace, excluding accelerations and decelerations; a normal baseline lies between 110 and 160 beats per minute.

A temporary fall in fetal heart rate on a CTG. Its timing in relation to contractions classifies it as early, variable or late, which guides how urgently further assessment is needed.

The predicted birth date, calculated from the first day of the last menstrual period or from an ultrasound scan, usually counted as 40 weeks from that starting point.

A scored assessment of the cervix - dilatation, length, consistency, position and fetal head station - used to predict how likely induction of labour is to succeed.

Labour that progresses more slowly than expected on the partogram, prompting assessment of causes such as inefficient contractions, malposition or cephalopelvic disproportion before deciding on intervention.

Bleeding of 500 ml or more after a vaginal birth, or 1000 ml or more after caesarean birth, requiring immediate resuscitation, uterine massage, uterotonic drugs and escalation.

A track-and-trigger chart for vital signs in pregnancy and the postnatal period, using obstetric-specific thresholds that prompt escalation to senior review when the score is raised.

An internal examination, performed with consent and a clear indication, to assess cervical dilatation and effacement, fetal station and position, and the status of the membranes.

A one- and five-minute assessment of a newborn's heart rate, breathing, muscle tone, reflex response and colour, scored out of ten to guide decisions about resuscitation.

A package combining a prophylactic uterotonic, controlled cord traction and uterine assessment to shorten the third stage of labour and reduce the risk of postpartum haemorrhage.

Placing the naked newborn on the mother's bare chest straight after birth, which supports thermoregulation, breastfeeding initiation and bonding and should be protected during routine care.

How the baby takes the breast into the mouth; a deep, asymmetric latch with a wide-open mouth and chin touching the breast prevents nipple trauma and supports effective milk transfer.

A set of practices that keep equipment and key parts free from micro-organisms during invasive procedures such as catheterisation or perineal repair, reducing healthcare-associated infection.

Cleaning hands with soap and water or alcohol gel at the WHO's five moments of care, the single most effective measure for preventing transmission of infection between women and babies.

Measuring blood loss by weighing swabs and collecting blood in a calibrated drape rather than judging by eye, because visual estimation commonly under-reports the true volume lost.

Systematic examination of the perineum after birth, including a rectal examination, to classify any tear and repair it with appropriate sutures, analgesia and clear documentation.

A urine specimen collected after cleansing and discarding the first part of the stream, used to investigate suspected urinary tract infection in pregnancy while limiting contamination.

The care taken to keep a baby warm through drying, hats, skin-to-skin contact and a warm environment, because newborns lose heat quickly and hypothermia worsens outcomes.

The professional standards setting out the values and behaviours expected of nurses, midwives and nursing associates in the UK, covering prioritising people, practising effectively, preserving safety and promoting professionalism.

A legal and professional duty to be open and honest with women and families when something has gone wrong in their care, including apologising and explaining what happens next.

A voluntary decision made by a person with capacity after receiving clear information about benefits, risks and alternatives, recorded and revisited whenever circumstances change.

Being answerable for your own decisions and actions, working within the limits of your competence, and escalating to others when a situation exceeds that competence.

Acting to ensure a woman's wishes and rights are heard and respected, particularly when she feels unable to speak for herself or faces disadvantage.

The action taken to protect children and adults at risk of harm, including domestic abuse, neglect and female genital mutilation, following local procedures and statutory guidance.

Reporting unsafe practice or risk to women through the appropriate channel, internally or to an external regulator, as a professional obligation that the law protects.

The range of responsibilities a midwife is educated, competent and permitted to undertake; it is personal and should only be extended through assessed education and supervised practice.

Making care decisions from the best available research evidence, combined with clinical expertise and the woman's values and preferences, then checking whether the chosen care worked.

Systematically judging the validity, results and relevance of a research study before using its findings, weighing bias, study design and whether it applies to the woman in front of you.

A structured way to turn a clinical question into searchable parts - population, intervention, comparison and outcome - which makes literature searching focused and repeatable.

A conversation in which the midwife explains options and evidence while the woman explores what matters to her, producing a joint plan rather than a recommendation imposed on her.

A structured handover tool covering situation, background, assessment and recommendation, used to communicate clearly and assertively when escalating concern about a woman or baby.

A trained, impartial interpreter used for consultations where languages differ, rather than a family member, so that information and consent are accurate and confidentiality is maintained.

Asking a woman to explain in her own words what she has understood, which reveals gaps in communication and lets the midwife clarify rather than assume understanding.

A quality improvement cycle that compares recorded practice against an agreed standard, then implements change and re-audits to confirm that care has actually improved.

Thinking deliberately about an experience - what happened, what was learned and what will change - to develop professional judgement and meet revalidation requirements.