Complete 2025 Guide: Midwifery I (Theory) Syllabus (BSN 17)

Midwifery I (Theory)

Representative Image for the Midwifery I (Theory) Syllabus
Course No.: BSN 17
Placement: Second Year
Total Hours: 70 Hours
Total Marks: 50 Marks

Course Description

This course is designed to provide in-depth knowledge to the students regarding the care of women with normal and abnormal pregnancy based on Skilled Birth Attendant Core Competencies (See Annex 1).

Course Objectives

Unit 1: Introduction

  1. 1.1 Discuss the historical overview of midwifery in national and international context
  2. 1.2 Define the terms used in midwifery
  3. 1.3 Discuss International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) code of ethics including the legal aspects in midwifery
  4. 1.4 State the national policies, strategies and core competencies of SBA
  5. 1.5 Discuss the role of SBA in promoting maternal and newborn health
  6. 1.6 Recall the anatomy and physiology of female and male reproductive system including the hormonal influences.
  7. 1.7 Discuss the importance of preconception care

Unit 2: Foetal Development

  1. 2.1 Explain the process of conception and fetal development
  2. 2.2 Discuss the development of placenta, membranes and cord along with their functions
  3. 2.3 Explain foetal circulation including the changes that takes place in circulatory system after birth.
  4. 2.4 Identify the various malformations in placenta, membranes and cord.

Unit 3: Female Pelvis and Fetal skull

  1. 3.1 Describe female pelvis and its landmarks
  2. 3.2 Describe fetal skull including its landmarks and effect in labor
  3. 3.3 Explain feto-pelvic relationships

Unit 4: Physiological changes during Pregnancy

  1. 4.1 Explain the physiological changes that occur in body systems during pregnancy
  2. 4.2 Discuss the various methods of diagnosing pregnancy

Unit 5: Antenatal care

  1. 5.1 Describe the objectives and importance of antenatal care
  2. 5.2 Identify effective communication skills for maternal and newborn care
  3. 5.3 Explain the methods of assessing pregnant woman
  4. 5.4 Explain the method of calculating the expected date of delivery (EDD) and period of gestation (POG)
  5. 5.5 Describe the various antenatal screening test
  6. 5.6 Pelvic assessment for adequacy in last trimester.
  7. 5.7 Discuss the various methods of assessing fetal wellbeing during pregnancy
  8. 5.8 Discuss about the health education/ counseling to be given to pregnant women

Unit 6: Disorders of Pregnancy

  1. 6.1 State high-risk conditions during pregnancy
  2. 6.2 Discuss the common minor disorders of pregnancy and their management
  3. 6.3 Explain the causes and management of bleeding during early pregnancy
  4. 6.4 Explain the causes and management of bleeding during late pregnancy
  5. 6.5 Discuss about hyperemesis gravidarum and its management
  6. 6.6 Discuss about the hypertensive disorders during pregnancy and their first-line management according to national protocol
  7. 6.7 Discuss essential hypertension and its management
  8. 6.8 Discuss the amniotic fluid disorders including their diagnosis
  9. 6.9 Explain the pathway of Rh iso-immunization during pregnancy and its effect on the foetus.

Unit 7: Medical Diseases Associated with pregnancy

  1. 7.1 Describe the medical disorders complicating pregnancy including their management effect on mother and fetus.
  2. 7.2 Discuss the effects of sexually transmitted diseases on the mother and foetus

Unit 8: Drugs used in Pregnancy

  1. 8.1 Describe the common drugs used during pregnancy including their action, side effects and nursing implications

Syllabus Table of Contents

Quickly navigate to any unit in the Midwifery I (Theory) Syllabus using the links below.

S.N. Chapter Name View Notes
1 Introduction
2 Foetal Development
3 Female Pelvis and Fetal skull
4 Physiological changes during Pregnancy
5 Antenatal care
6 Disorders of Pregnancy
7 Medical Diseases Associated with pregnancy
8 Drugs used in Pregnancy

Course Content Details

Unit 1: Introduction 10 hrs

  1. 1.1 Introduction to midwifery: Overview of history of midwifery at national and international context
  2. 1.2 Terminologies used in midwifery
  3. 1.3 Midwifery regulations
    1. 1.3.1 ICM Code of ethics
    2. 1.3.2 Legal aspects in midwifery
    3. 1.3.3 Rights of women to safe motherhood
  4. 1.4 National SBA policies, strategies and core competencies
  5. 1.5 Role of SBA in maternal and newborn health
  6. 1.6 Anatomy and physiology of female and male reproductive system (review)
    1. 1.6.1 Hormonal influences:
      1. 1.6.1.1 in female in oogenesis
        1. 1.6.1.1.1 Pituitary cycle
        2. 1.6.1.1.2 Ovarian cycle
        3. 1.6.1.1.3 Uterine cycle
      2. 1.6.1.2 in male in spermatogenesis
  7. 1.7 Preconception care: Importance and care components

Unit 2: Foetal Development 8 hrs

  1. 2.1 Fetal development
    1. 2.1.1 Conception
    2. 2.1.2 Embryonic development
    3. 2.1.3 Embryonic disorders (review)
  2. 2.2 Development and functions of placenta, membranes, cord and amniotic fluid and their anomalies
  3. 2.3 Foetal circulation and circulatory adaptation after birth
  4. 2.4 Placenta, membranes, amniotic fluid and cord malformations

Unit 3: Female Pelvis and Fetal skull 6 hrs

  1. 3.1 Female pelvis
    1. 3.1.1 Types and diameters
    2. 3.1.2 Muscles and ligaments
    3. 3.1.3 Effect in labor
  2. 3.2 Fetal skull
    1. 3.2.1 Bones, sutures and fontanels,
    2. 3.2.2 Measurements
    3. 3.2.3 Molding during labor
  3. 3.3 Feto-pelvic relationship: Lie, presentation, attitude, denominator, position, presenting part, engagement and station

Unit 4: Physiological changes during Pregnancy 10 hrs

  1. 4.1 Physiological changes and adaptation during pregnancy in the body systems:
    1. 4.1.1 Reproductive system mecluding breast
    2. 4.1.2 Cardiovascular system
    3. 4.1.3 Respiratory system
    4. 4.1.4 Urinary system
    5. 4.1.5 Musculo-skeletal system
    6. 4.1.6 Integumentary system
    7. 4.1.7 Gastrointestinal system
    8. 4.1.8 Endocrine system
    9. 4.1.9 Nervous system
    10. 4.1.10 Metabolism and weight gain
  2. 4.2 Diagnosis of pregnancy
    1. 4.2.1 Signs and symptoms of pregnancy
    2. 4.2.2 Laboratory tests

Unit 5: Antenatal care 12 hrs

  1. 5.1 Antenatal care: importance and objective
  2. 5.2 Communication and counseling about maternal and neonatal health
  3. 5.3 Assessment of the pregnant woman
    1. 5.3.1 Antenatal history
    2. 5.3.2 Physical examination
    3. 5.3.3 Abdominal examination
  4. 5.4 Calculation of EDD and POG
  5. 5.5 Antenatal screening tests: Urine analysis, VDRL, TORCH. HIV testing, HBSag. blood grouping and typing, hemoglobin estimation
  6. 5.6 Assessment of fetal well being
    1. 5.6.1 Intermittent auscultation
    2. 5.6.2 Electronic fetal wellbeing
    3. 5.6.3 Ultra-sonogram
    4. 5.6.4 Biophysical profile
    5. 5.6.5 Amniotic fluid index
  7. 5.7 Health education/counseling in relation to:
    1. 5.7.1 Nutrition: Micro and macro nutrients
    2. 5.7.2 Immunization
    3. 5.7.3 Birth preparedness and complication readiness
    4. 5.7.4 Breast feeding and nutrition during lactation
    5. 5.7.5 Safer sex and sexual relation
    6. 5.7.6 Prevention of HIV infection and STI
    7. 5.7.7 Health promotion: Rest, exercise cleanliness clothing and shoes
    8. 5.7.8 Effect of smoking
    9. 5.7.9 Teratogenic agents during pregnancy
    10. 5.7.10 Return visits (Four focused antenatal visits for normal pregnancy)

Unit 6: Disorders of Pregnancy 14 hrs

  1. 6.1 High-risk conditions of pregnancy
    1. 6.1.1 Risk factors and their management
    2. 6.1.2 Role of midwife
  2. 6.2 Minor disorders of pregnancy and their management
    1. 6.2.1 Digestive system disorders: Morning sickness, Heart burn, Increased salivation, Constipation and haemorrhoids, Pica
    2. 6.2.2 Circulatory system: Varicosity, Fainting/syncope, Postural hypotension
    3. 6.2.3 Genito-urinary: Burning micturition, Leucorrhoea
    4. 6.2.4 Integumentary: Itching, Linea nigra, Chlosma, Striae gravidarum
    5. 6.2.5 Nervous system: Carpel tunnel syndrome, (nervousness), Insomnia
    6. 6.2.6 Musculo-skeletal: Backache, Cramping legs
  3. 6.3 Vaginal bleeding during early pregnancy
    1. 6.3.1 Abortion:
    2. 6.3.2 Post abortion care (PAC): Manual vacuum aspiration (MVA)
    3. 6.3.3 Comprehensive abortion care (CAC)
    4. 6.3.4 Hydatidiform mole
    5. 6.3.5 Ectopic pregnancy
  4. 6.4 Vaginal bleeding in late pregnancy:
    1. 6.4.1 Antepartum hemorrhage
    2. 6.4.2 Placenta previa
    3. 6.4.3 Abruptio placenta
  5. 6.5 Hyperemesis gravidarum
  6. 6.6 Pregnancy-induced hypertension
    1. 6.6.1 Preclampsia and eclampsia: First-line management-Anticonvulsant and antihypertensive drugs:
    2. 6.6.2 Use of magnesium sulphate
    3. 6.6.3 HELLP syndrome
    4. 6.6.4 DIC including bedside clotting test
  7. 6.7 Essential hypertension
  8. 6.8 Disorders of amniotic fluid
    1. 6.8.1 Polyhydramnios
    2. 6.8.2 Oligohydramnios
  9. 6.9 RH iso-immunization and ABO incompatibility

Unit 7: Medical Diseases Associated with pregnancy 8 hrs

  1. 7.1 Medical diseases complicating pregnancy
    1. 7.1.1 Anemia
    2. 7.1.2 Cardiac disease
    3. 7.1.3 Tuberculosis
    4. 7.1.4 Malaria
    5. 7.1.5 Diabetes
    6. 7.1.6 Jaundice
    7. 7.1.7 Sexually transmitted diseases
  2. 7.2 RTI/HIV
    1. 7.2.1 TORCH infection
    2. 7.2.2 Hepatitis B
    3. 7.2.3 HIV/AIDS including VCT, PMTCT, ante retroviral therapy and post-exposure prophylaxis
    4. 7.2.4 STI
    5. 7.2.5 RTI

Unit 8: Drugs used in Pregnancy

  1. 8.1 Drugs used in pregnancy
    1. 8.1.1 Haematenics
    2. 8.1.2 Tocolytic agents
    3. 8.1.3 Teratogenic drugs

Teaching and Evaluation

Unit 1: Introduction

    1. 1.1 Activities: Lecture and Discussion
    2. 1.2 Resources: MNC-LRP Module-2, National SBA policy and Strategy. FHD, Annex 1: SBA Core Skills, Updated Nepal statistics from DHS 2006 survey, MNC-LRP Module-4
    3. 1.3 Evaluation: Students’ response to questions, Pre-test questionnaire and Knowledge Assessment Questionnaire: Module 2-The Role of the TBA, Pre-test questionnaire and Knowledge Assessment Questionnaire: Module 4-Basic Anatomy and Physiology

Unit 2: Foetal Development

    1. 2.1 Activities: Lecture and Discussion, Practice in skill lab
    2. 2.2 Resources: MNC-LRP Module-4, Posters and anatomical models
    3. 2.3 Evaluation: Students’ response to questions, Pre-test questionnaire and Knowledge Assessment Questionnaire Module 4- Basic Anatomy and Physiology

Unit 3: Female Pelvis and Fetal skull

    1. 3.1 Activities: Practice in skull model, Labeling of landmarks, Practice with baby model and pelvis
    2. 3.2 Resources: Female pelvis and fetal skull
    3. 3.3 Evaluation: Students’ response to questions

Unit 4: Physiological changes during Pregnancy

    1. 4.1 Activities: Group work and presentation
    2. 4.2 Resources: Myles Midwifery 14th edition pp.185, Module 5
    3. 4.3 Evaluation: Students’ response to questions, and Knowledge Questionnaire Module 5 – Pregnancy

Unit 5: Antenatal care

    1. 5.1 Activities: Interactive lecture, Role Play – interpersonal communication skills, Exercise on calculation of EDD and POG, Use of calendar, poster, chart, Role-play in group, Role play
    2. 5.2 Resources: MNC-LRP Modules, Role Play 6.1 & Key: Interpersonal Communication Skills for the SBA, Exercise 9.1 and Answer key: Calculating the EDD, Role Play 9.1 and Answer Key Listening to the Antenatal Client, Role Play 3.1 and Answer Key: Communicating about nutrition during pregnancy and lactation, Examination Module 3-Basic Nutrition, Role Play 3.2 and Key: Educating the Mother About the Benefits of Exclusive Breastfeeding, Birth Preparedness Package (BPP)
    3. 5.3 Evaluation: Pre-test questionnaire and Knowledge Assessment Module for Antenatal Care

Unit 6: Disorders of Pregnancy

    1. 6.1 Activities: Interactive lecture, Case studies
    2. 6.2 Resources: MNC-LRP Module -9, Case Studies: 9.1 9.2 and Answer Keys: Antenatal Assessment and Care, Reference Manual: Managing Complications in Pregnancy and Childbirth, S-7 to S-23, MNC-LRP Module-13, Case Studies 13.1 and 13.2 and Keys: Vaginal Bleeding in Early Pregnancy, MNC-LRP Module-14, Case Studies 14.1 and 14.2 and Keys: Vaginal Bleeding after Childbirth, MNC-LPR Module 15, Case Study 15.1 and Key: Elevated Blood Pressure During Pregnancy, Case Studies 15.2 and 15.3 and Keys: Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension
    3. 6.3 Evaluation: Students response to questions, Pretest Questionnaire Answer Sheet and Key: Module 13: Vaginal Bleeding in Pregnancy and Labor, Pretest Questionnaire Answer Sheet and Key: Module 15: Headache, Blurred Vision, Convulsions or Loss of Consciousness, Elevated Blood Pressure

Unit 7: Medical Diseases Associated with pregnancy

    1. 7.1 Activities: Interactive lecture
    2. 7.2 Resources: Manual on Basic maternal and newborn care, MNC-LRP Module-7
    3. 7.3 Evaluation: Student’s response to questions

Unit 8: Drugs used in Pregnancy

    1. 8.1 Activities: Lecture
    2. 8.2 Resources: Internet/INA
    3. 8.3 Evaluation: Not specified in the document.

Also Read: Social and Behavioural Science (BSN 16) Syllabus

References

  1. Bennett, V. R. and Brown, L. K. (Ed.), (2003). Myles Textbook for Midwives, 14th ed. Churchill: Livingston
  2. Bobak and Jensen. (1994). Maternity Nursing, 4th ed, St. Louis: Mosby Company.
  3. Bobak and Jensen, (1993). Maternity and Gynecologic Care, 15th ed, St.Louis: Mosby Company.
  4. DoHS/MOH (2007) Maternal and Newborn Care Learning Resource Package for Skilled Birth Attendants, Kathmandu: The Author
  5. Dutta D.C. (2004). Textbook of Obstetrics 6th ed New Central Book agency
  6. FHD (2004). Basic Emergency Obstetric Care and Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric Care Inservice Training Handbook, Kathmandu: The Author
  7. FHD (2007). National Medical Standards for Reproductive Health, Volume II & III. Kathmandu: The Author.
  8. Indirani T.K., (2003). Textbook of Midwifery, New Delhi: Jaypee Brothers, Medical Publishers P. LTD.
  9. Jacob, A., (2005). A Comprehensive Textbook of Midwifery. Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ltd. New Delhi
  10. JHPIEGO, (2000). Post abortion Care: A Reference Manual for Improving Quality of Care. Kathmandu: The Author
  11. Kinzie, B. & Gomes, P. (2004). Basic Maternal and New Born Care: A Guide for Skilled Providers. Baltimore: JHPIEGO
  12. MOHP (2006). National Policy on Skilled Birth Attendance. Kathmandu: Author
  13. Shirish, N., Daftary, S. & Chakravark, B. (2002). Manual of Obstetrics. Edinburgh: Churchill Living stone
  14. Shakya.S., (2003). Garvabastha Ra Sutkeri (Nepali Version). Kathmandu: Educational Publishing House.
  15. Sweet B.R. (1998). Mayes Textbook for Midwives, 11th ed, ELBS
  16. WHO (2003). Standards for Midwifery Practice for Safe Motherhood, Volume, 1 2, 3 & 4. New Delhi
  17. WHO, UNFPA, UNICEF and World Bank, (2000). Integrated Management of Pregnancy and Childbirth, (IMPAC)
  18. WHO, UNFPA, UNICEF and World Bank, (2003). Pregnancy, Childbirth, postpartum and Newborn Care (PCPNC) Guide for Essential Providers

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