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Comprehensive Study Guide for Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs)
Introduction
Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) are healthcare professionals who
provide expert care to women and their families across the lifespan,
including reproductive health, pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, and
beyond. This guide is designed to support your mastery of the
fundamental knowledge and skills required for safe and effective
midwifery practice.
Scope of Midwifery Practice
The scope of CNM practice includes:
Providing primary care to women from adolescence to menopause.
Managing normal pregnancies and deliveries.
Offering gynecological care and family planning services.
Caring for newborns in the first 28 days of life.
The emphasis is on holistic, evidence-based, and patient-centered care,
often in collaboration with obstetricians, pediatricians, and other
healthcare providers.
Antepartum Care
The antepartum period involves prenatal care aimed at promoting
maternal and fetal health, identifying risks, and preparing for childbirth.
1. Routine Prenatal Care
History Taking: Medical, obstetric, genetic, and social histories.
Physical Exams: Regular monitoring of maternal vitals, fundal
height, and fetal heart tones.
Education and Counseling: Topics include nutrition, exercise,
prenatal vitamins, and lifestyle modifications.
2. Screening and Diagnostics
First Trimester:
oConfirm pregnancy through hCG levels and ultrasound.
oScreen for genetic conditions via nuchal translucency or
non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT).
Second Trimester:
oGlucose tolerance testing for gestational diabetes (24-28
weeks).
oAnatomy scan for fetal anomalies.
Third Trimester:
