Short answer: Break maternal and child health into four blocks: antenatal care, labour and birth, postnatal care and the newborn, and child health. Learn the danger signs and the safe first action in each block, because exam questions usually test recognition and prioritisation.
Four blocks to study
Take one block per study session so the topic never feels too large.
- Antenatal care: screening, normal changes, pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes.
- Labour and birth: stages of labour, fetal monitoring and emergencies such as cord prolapse and shoulder dystocia.
- Postnatal care: postpartum haemorrhage, infection, feeding and mental health.
- Child health: growth, immunisation, fever, dehydration and respiratory illness.
Danger signs
Questions in this area often give a stem with one warning sign hidden in it.
- Severe headache, visual changes and high blood pressure in pregnancy.
- Heavy bleeding after birth.
- Reduced fetal movements.
- A floppy, drowsy or breathless child.
Medicines in pregnancy and childhood
Dose and safety change in pregnancy, breastfeeding and childhood. Learn which common medicines to avoid and how child doses are calculated by weight.
Communication and consent
Many questions in this area also test respectful communication, consent and safeguarding. Choose the answer that protects the mother or child and follows local policy.
Related guide
For pre-eclampsia, bleeding after birth, Apgar and the first day of life in more depth, see maternal and newborn nursing.
Frequently asked questions
This article is general educational guidance, not official advice. Exam rules, fees and timelines are set by the Dubai Health Authority and the test provider and can change, so always confirm the latest details on their official channels.
Last updated .