Maternal-Fetal Medicine Practice Questions

Q: A 30-year-old P3L3 female presents in Gynaecology emergency with acute abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding of short duration (1 hour). She gives history of tubal ligation after birth of third child. On examination, right adnexal tenderness was found and os was closed. What is the probable diagnosis?

Ectopic pregnancy. ***Ectopic pregnancy*** - This patient presents with **acute abdominal pain** and **vaginal bleeding** of short duration, with right adnexal tenderness and a closed os, highly suggestive of an ectopic pregnancy even after a tubal ligation. Tubal ligation does not provide 100% protection against pregnancy. - The history of **tubal ligation** increases the risk for ectopic pregnancy, as fertilization can still occur with the ovum implanting outside the uterus. *Complete abortion* - A complete abortion would typically involve the **passage of all products of conception**, after which the pain and bleeding would subside, and the os would generally be closed or closing. - This patient's symptoms are more acute and localized to the **adnexa**, which is less typical for a complete abortion occurring in a non-pregnant uterus (given the tubal ligation). *Pelvic inflammatory disease* - **Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)** usually presents with **vaginal discharge/cervicitis**, **fever**, and bilateral abdominal pain. - While adnexal tenderness can be present, the acute onset with vaginal bleeding in a patient post-tubal ligation makes ectopic pregnancy a more concerning and probable diagnosis. *Appendicitis* - **Appendicitis** typically presents with **right lower quadrant pain** that often migrates from the periumbilical region, but usually lacks vaginal bleeding or adnexal tenderness. - The combination of **vaginal bleeding** and adnexal tenderness points away from appendicitis and more towards a gynecological origin.

Q: If, on amniocentesis, the alpha fetoprotein is found to be elevated in the amniotic fluid (which correlates with elevated maternal serum levels), which of the following conditions is likely to be present?

Neural tube defects. ***Neural tube defects*** - **Elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)** in amniotic fluid and maternal serum is a key indicator of neural tube defects like **spina bifida** or **anencephaly**. - These defects result in an open neural tube, allowing AFP to leak directly into the amniotic fluid. *Duchenne muscular dystrophy* - This is an **X-linked recessive genetic disorder** causing progressive muscle degeneration. - While it can be detected prenatally through genetic testing, it is **not associated with elevated AFP** levels. *Cardiac septal defects* - These are **structural abnormalities of the heart** (e.g., ventricular septal defect, atrial septal defect). - They are typically diagnosed via **fetal echocardiography** and do not cause elevated AFP levels. *Galactosaemia* - This is an **autosomal recessive metabolic disorder** where the body cannot properly metabolize galactose. - It is diagnosed by detecting elevated galactose or genetic testing, and **AFP levels are unaffected**.

Q: Tongue bite occurs in eclampsia at :

Tonic stage. ***Tonic stage*** - During the **tonic stage** of an eclamptic seizure, there is a sudden, sustained contraction of all muscles, including the **masseter muscles** (jaw muscles). - This forceful, sustained jaw clenching causes the teeth to clench tightly, leading to involuntary **biting of the tongue**. - The tonic phase lasts 10-20 seconds and is the first phase of the eclamptic seizure, characterized by rigid muscle contraction. *Coma stage* - The coma stage occurs after the seizure activity has ceased, and the patient is unconscious. - While aspiration or other complications can occur during this stage, **tongue biting** specifically happens during the active tonic phase of the seizure, not afterward. *Clonic stage* - The clonic stage follows the tonic stage and is characterized by rhythmic, jerking movements of the limbs and body. - Although there is muscle activity, the severe, **sustained jaw clenching** that causes tongue bite is specific to the tonic phase. - In the clonic phase, the jaw may rhythmically open and close, but the initial tongue bite has already occurred. *Postictal stage* - The postictal stage is the period of recovery immediately following a seizure. - The patient may be confused, drowsy, or unresponsive, but the active seizure movements, including **tongue biting**, have already occurred in the tonic phase.

Q: Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy presents with which of the following features ? 1. Pruritus after 28 weeks gestation, especially in palms and soles 2. Serum bilirubin levels > 5 mg% 3. Raised levels of serum bile acids 4. Features subside within two weeks postpartum Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1, 3 and 4. ***1, 3 and 4*** - **Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP)** is characterized by **pruritus** without skin lesions, which typically begins in the **late second or third trimester (after 28 weeks gestation)**. The itching is often most severe on the **palms and soles**. - A hallmark of ICP is **elevated serum bile acid levels** (typically >10 μmol/L). The condition and its symptoms **subside rapidly** after delivery, usually **within 1-2 weeks postpartum**, as hormonal influences resolve. *1, 2 and 3* - This option incorrectly includes the feature of **serum bilirubin levels > 5 mg%**. While bilirubin levels can be mildly elevated in ICP, they typically remain below this threshold, and values **above 5 mg%** would suggest a more severe or alternative cause of **liver dysfunction**. - The other features (**pruritus after 28 weeks, raised serum bile acids**) are indeed characteristic of ICP. *1, 2 and 4* - This option also incorrectly includes **serum bilirubin levels > 5 mg%**, which is uncharacteristic for ICP and would warrant further investigation for other liver pathologies. - The presence of pruritus and the resolution postpartum are correct features. *2, 3 and 4* - This option incorrectly includes **serum bilirubin levels > 5 mg%** and does not include **pruritus as a primary symptom**, which is the most common presenting complaint of ICP. - While raised bile acids and postpartum resolution are correct, the absence of pruritus as a core feature and the high bilirubin level make this option incorrect.

Q: A 29-year-old female with 3 months amenorrhoea presents to gynaecology OPD with complaints of something coming out of her vagina. On clinical evaluation she was found to have single live pregnancy with second degree uterine prolapse. Which one of the following is the best management plan for her ?

Pessary treatment. ***Pessary treatment*** - **Symptomatic uterine prolapse during pregnancy** (patient complaining of "something coming out") requires **active management**, not just reassurance. - **Pessary insertion** is the **first-line treatment** for symptomatic uterine prolapse in pregnancy, providing mechanical support and immediate symptom relief. - **Ring pessary or Hodge pessary** can be safely used to support the prolapsed uterus until natural ascension occurs in the second trimester. - Combined with **bed rest** and **knee-chest position**, pessaries effectively manage symptoms while allowing pregnancy to continue. - The pessary can typically be removed after **16-20 weeks** when the gravid uterus naturally rises out of the pelvis. *Reassurance* - While it's true that the growing uterus will naturally ascend in the second trimester (reducing the prolapse), **reassurance alone is inadequate** for a patient with **active symptoms**. - Reassurance would be appropriate for **asymptomatic** or **mild prolapse**, but this patient has second-degree prolapse with troublesome symptoms requiring intervention. - Leaving symptomatic prolapse untreated risks complications like **cervical edema, ulceration, infection**, and increased patient distress. *Cerclage operation* - **Cervical cerclage** addresses **cervical insufficiency** to prevent preterm birth, not uterine prolapse. - It does not provide mechanical support for a prolapsed uterus and is not indicated in this clinical scenario. *Cervical amputation* - **Cervical amputation (trachelectomy)** is a radical procedure for **cervical cancer** or severe cervical pathology. - It would be **contraindicated in ongoing pregnancy** and carries significant risks of pregnancy loss. - Completely inappropriate for managing uterine prolapse.

Q: Which of the following are the clinical features of molar pregnancy ? 1. History of amenorrhea and vaginal bleeding 2. Patient has excessive vomiting 3. History of expulsion of grape-like vesicles Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1, 2 and 3. ***1, 2 and 3*** - **All three are clinical features of molar pregnancy (hydatidiform mole)** - **Amenorrhea and vaginal bleeding**: Classic presentation seen in most cases. Vaginal bleeding typically occurs in the first or early second trimester and is the most common presenting symptom - **Excessive vomiting (hyperemesis gravidarum)**: Occurs in approximately 25-30% of cases due to abnormally high levels of **hCG** produced by the proliferating trophoblastic tissue, much higher than in normal pregnancy - **Expulsion of grape-like vesicles**: This is a **pathognomonic (definitive) sign** of molar pregnancy. While it may not be the initial presenting symptom and often occurs during spontaneous expulsion or evacuation, it is a characteristic clinical feature when present - **Other features**: Uterine size larger than dates, absent fetal heart sounds, pre-eclampsia before 20 weeks, and markedly elevated serum hCG levels *1 and 2 only* - This option incorrectly excludes the **expulsion of grape-like vesicles**, which is a definitive clinical feature of molar pregnancy - While vesicle expulsion may occur later in the clinical course, the question asks about clinical features, not just initial presenting symptoms *2 and 3 only* - This option omits **amenorrhea and vaginal bleeding**, which are the most common and important presenting symptoms - Vaginal bleeding occurs in 80-90% of molar pregnancies and is typically the chief complaint *1 and 3 only* - This option incorrectly excludes **excessive vomiting**, which is a well-recognized clinical feature occurring in 25-30% of cases - Hyperemesis gravidarum associated with molar pregnancy can be severe due to extremely elevated hCG levels

Q: A patient, who is 2 months pregnant, reports to a hospital with complaints of increased vaginal bleeding and pain in lower abdomen. Internal examination reveals dilated internal os of cervix and products of conception are felt through it. What is her likely clinical diagnosis?

Inevitable abortion. ***Inevitable abortion*** - This diagnosis is characterized by **vaginal bleeding**, **lower abdominal pain**, and a **dilated cervix** with **products of conception palpable through the cervical os**. - The dilation of the internal os and products protruding through it indicate that the abortion process **cannot be halted** and will inevitably proceed to completion, distinguishing it from a threatened abortion. - In inevitable abortion, the products may be felt through the dilated os but have not yet been fully expelled from the uterus. *Threatened abortion* - While there is vaginal bleeding and a viable intrauterine pregnancy, the **cervix remains closed**, and there is no expulsion of fetal tissue. - The symptoms are milder, and with appropriate management, the pregnancy can often continue successfully. *Incomplete abortion* - This involves the **partial expulsion of the products of conception**, meaning some tissue has already passed out of the uterus, but some remains inside. - The key difference is that in incomplete abortion, **part of the products have been expelled**, with retained tissue remaining in the uterus, often requiring intervention (such as surgical evacuation) to remove the retained tissue. - The patient would typically report passage of tissue. *Septic abortion* - This is a serious complication involving an **infection of the uterus** during an abortion, presenting with **fever, chills, foul-smelling or purulent vaginal discharge**, in addition to bleeding and pain. - The clinical picture provided (bleeding, pain, dilated os, palpable products of conception) does not include signs of infection such as fever or other systemic symptoms of sepsis.

Q: A 24-year-old primigravida comes to ANC clinic at 8 months amenorrhoea. Her BP is found to be 160/100 mm Hg. Lab findings reveal thrombocytopenia, increased SGOT/SGPT and LDH. What is her diagnosis?

HELLP syndrome. ***HELLP syndrome*** - **HELLP syndrome** is characterized by **hemolysis**, **elevated liver enzymes** (SGOT/SGPT, LDH), and **low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)**, all of which are present in this patient with severe hypertension. - It is a severe form of **preeclampsia** and requires prompt recognition and management due to high maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. *Eclampsia* - Eclampsia involves the occurrence of **new-onset grand mal seizures** in a woman with preeclampsia, which is not mentioned in the patient's presentation. - While preeclampsia (high BP) is present, the defining feature of eclampsia (seizures) is absent. *Hepatitis B* - **Hepatitis B** infection can cause elevated liver enzymes, but it typically presents with symptoms such as **abdominal pain, nausea, jaundice**, and may not involve hypertension or thrombocytopenia. - The combination of severe hypertension and thrombocytopenia makes hepatitis B an unlikely primary diagnosis in this context. *Obstetric cholestasis* - **Obstetric cholestasis** is characterized by **pruritus (itching)**, especially on the palms and soles, and elevated bile acids, often with only mildly elevated liver enzymes. - It does not typically cause **severe hypertension** or **thrombocytopenia**.

Q: Which of the following statements are correct regarding peripartum cardiomyopathy? 1. It is usually seen in multiparous women. 2. Echocardiography shows ejection fraction less than 45%. 3. ACE inhibitors are contraindicated. 4. History of prior heart disease is mostly present. Select the answer using the code given below.

1 and 2 only. ***1 and 2 only*** - **Peripartum cardiomyopathy** (PPCM) is more common in **multiparous women**, particularly those with a history of preeclampsia, hypertension, or multiple pregnancies. - The diagnostic criteria for PPCM include the development of **heart failure** in the last month of pregnancy or within five months postpartum, with an **ejection fraction (EF) less than 45%** (often <40%) and no other identifiable cause. *1, 2 and 3* - While statements 1 and 2 are correct, **ACE inhibitors** are generally **contraindicated during pregnancy** due to teratogenic effects, but **can be used postpartum** for PPCM treatment, especially if not breastfeeding. - The contraindication during pregnancy does not universally apply to the entire peripartum period or postpartum management. *1, 3 and 4* - Statements 1 and 3 are incorrect in parts; while multiparity is a risk factor, statement 3 regarding ACE inhibitors is nuanced as they can be used postpartum. - PPCM is diagnosed in the absence of **prior heart disease**, meaning it is a *new onset* cardiomyopathy; therefore, statement 4 is incorrect. *3 and 4 only* - Both statements 3 and 4 are incorrect because ACE inhibitors can be used postpartum, and PPCM is characterized by the absence of prior heart disease. - The diagnostic criteria for PPCM specifically exclude cases where pre-existing heart disease can explain the heart failure.

Question 1

Which of the following are the predictive factors for Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR)?
I. Low level of maternal 1^st trimester Beta hCG
II. Abnormal uterine artery Doppler at 20-24 weeks of pregnancy
III. Fetal echogenic bowel on ultrasound
IV. Maternal medical disorder

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

Accepted Answer

I, II and IV

Answer

I, III and IV

Answer

I, II and III

Answer

II, III and IV

Question 2

A 30-year-old P3L3 female presents in Gynaecology emergency with acute abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding of short duration (1 hour). She gives history of tubal ligation after birth of third child. On examination, right adnexal tenderness was found and os was closed. What is the probable diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Ectopic pregnancy

Answer

Complete abortion

Answer

Pelvic inflammatory disease

Answer

Appendicitis

Question 3

If, on amniocentesis, the alpha fetoprotein is found to be elevated in the amniotic fluid (which correlates with elevated maternal serum levels), which of the following conditions is likely to be present?

Accepted Answer

Neural tube defects

Answer

Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Answer

Cardiac septal defects

Answer

Galactosaemia

Question 4

Tongue bite occurs in eclampsia at :

Accepted Answer

Tonic stage

Answer

Coma stage

Answer

Clonic stage

Answer

Postictal stage

Question 5

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy presents with which of the following features ?

1. Pruritus after 28 weeks gestation, especially in palms and soles
2. Serum bilirubin levels > 5 mg%
3. Raised levels of serum bile acids
4. Features subside within two weeks postpartum

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

Accepted Answer

1, 3 and 4

Answer

1, 2 and 3

Answer

1, 2 and 4

Answer

2, 3 and 4

Question 6

A 29-year-old female with 3 months amenorrhoea presents to gynaecology OPD with complaints of something coming out of her vagina. On clinical evaluation she was found to have single live pregnancy with second degree uterine prolapse. Which one of the following is the best management plan for her ?

Accepted Answer

Pessary treatment

Answer

Reassurance

Answer

Cerclage operation

Answer

Cervical amputation

Question 7

Which of the following are the clinical features of molar pregnancy ?

1. History of amenorrhea and vaginal bleeding
2. Patient has excessive vomiting
3. History of expulsion of grape-like vesicles

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

Accepted Answer

1, 2 and 3

Answer

1 and 3 only

Answer

2 and 3 only

Answer

1 and 2 only

Question 8

A patient, who is 2 months pregnant, reports to a hospital with complaints of increased vaginal bleeding and pain in lower abdomen. Internal examination reveals dilated internal os of cervix and products of conception are felt through it. What is her likely clinical diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Inevitable abortion

Answer

Threatened abortion

Answer

Incomplete abortion

Answer

Septic abortion

Question 9

A 24-year-old primigravida comes to ANC clinic at 8 months amenorrhoea. Her BP is found to be 160/100 mm Hg. Lab findings reveal thrombocytopenia, increased SGOT/SGPT and LDH. What is her diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

HELLP syndrome

Answer

Eclampsia

Answer

Hepatitis B

Answer

Obstetric cholestasis

Question 10

Which of the following statements are correct regarding peripartum cardiomyopathy?

1. It is usually seen in multiparous women.
2. Echocardiography shows ejection fraction less than 45%.
3. ACE inhibitors are contraindicated.
4. History of prior heart disease is mostly present. Select the answer using the code given below.

Accepted Answer

1 and 2 only

Answer

1, 2 and 3

Answer

1, 3 and 4

Answer

3 and 4 only

Maternal-Fetal Medicine — MCQs

Maternal-Fetal Medicine — MCQs

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