BSc Nursing 6th Sem Midwifery/Obstetrics & Gynaecology I: Syllabus, Competencies & Clinical Training

BSc Nursing 6th Sem Midwifery/Obstetrics & Gynaecology I is placed in the VI Semester. The course focuses on midwifery concepts, principles and professional competencies. It prepares you to provide respectful maternity care during the antenatal, intranatal and postnatal periods.

The course combines theory, skill lab training and clinical learning. The theory component carries 2 credits and includes 40 hours. The skill lab carries 1 credit with 40 hours. Clinical training carries 2 credits with 160 hours. The skill lab and clinical components together account for 200 hours.

You will study the human reproductive system, conception, normal pregnancy, labour, puerperium, postpartum care and normal newborn care. You will also develop practical competencies related to antenatal assessment, labour management, normal delivery, postnatal care and newborn care.

BSc Nursing 6th Sem Midwifery Course Details

The course is designed to develop your theoretical knowledge and practical competencies in midwifery.

The course covers care during the antenatal, intranatal and postnatal periods. It also includes normal newborn care and participation in family welfare programmes.

BSc Nursing 6th Sem Midwifery Competencies

After completing the course, you are expected to develop competencies related to professional midwifery practice. These include professional accountability, effective communication, respectful maternity care and clinical care of women and newborns.

You will be expected to:

• Demonstrate professional accountability for nursing care according to INC standards and ICM competencies.

• Follow moral, altruistic, legal, ethical, regulatory and humanistic principles while providing care.

• Communicate effectively with individuals, families and professional colleagues.

• Promote mutual respect and shared decision-making.

• Recognize trends and issues in midwifery and obstetrical nursing.

• Review and describe the anatomy and physiology of the human reproductive system and conception.

• Describe and apply the physiology involved in normal pregnancy, birth and puerperium.

• Demonstrate competency in respectful maternity care during the antenatal, intranatal and postnatal periods.

• Conduct normal deliveries and provide essential newborn care.

• Apply the nursing process while caring for women and their families.

BSc Nursing 6th Sem Midwifery Syllabus

The syllabus is divided into six units. These units cover midwifery, reproductive anatomy and physiology, normal pregnancy, labour, puerperium and normal neonatal care.

Unit I: Introduction to Midwifery

Unit I introduces you to the history and current scenario of midwifery in India. It also covers professional practice, respectful maternity care, legal provisions and the role of a midwife.

The topics include:

• History of midwifery in India

• Current scenario of midwifery in India

• Transformative education for relationship-based and transformative midwifery practice in India

• National health programmes related to RMNCH

• Respectful maternity and newborn care

• Midwife-led care units

• Birthing centres

• Water birth

• Lotus birth

• Essential competencies for basic midwifery practice as per ICM

• Universal rights of childbearing women

• Sexual and reproductive health and rights

• Legal provisions in midwifery practice in India

• INC and MOH&FW regulations

• Ethical issues in maternal and neonatal care

• Adoption laws

• MTP Act

• PreNatal Diagnostic Test (PNDT) Act

• Surrogate mothers

• Roles and responsibilities of a midwife in hospital and community settings

Teaching activities include discussions, demonstrations, role play, directed reading, assignments and scenario-based learning. Assessment includes short-answer questions, objective-type questions, essays and quizzes.

Unit II: Anatomy and Physiology of the Reproductive System

Unit II covers the anatomy and physiology of the human reproductive system and the process of conception. You will review the female reproductive organs, female pelvis, foetal skull and the physiological changes related to reproduction.

The topics include:

• Female organs of reproduction

• Female pelvis

• Bones, joints and ligaments of the pelvis

• Planes, diameters and landmarks

• Inclination and variations in pelvic shape

• Foetal skull

• Bones, sutures, fontanelles and diameters

• Moulding

• Fetopelvic relationship

• Physiology of the menstrual cycle

• Menstrual hygiene

• Fertilization

• Conception

• Implantation

• Embryological development

• Placental development

• Placental function

• Fetal growth and development

• Fetal circulation

• Fetal nutrition

Learning activities include lectures, discussions, self-directed learning, models, videos and films, quizzes and simulation.

Unit III: Assessment and Management of Normal Pregnancy

Unit III focuses on pre-pregnancy care, pregnancy assessment and antenatal care. You will study the care of women during the first, second and third trimesters.

Pre-Pregnancy Care

The topics include:

• Review of sexual development

• Socio-cultural aspects of human sexuality

• Preconception care

• Preconception counselling

• Awareness regarding normal births

• Genetic counselling

• Planned parenthood

Pregnancy Assessment and Antenatal Care

You will study the diagnosis and confirmation of pregnancy, including signs of pregnancy, differential diagnosis and confirmatory tests.

The course also covers maternal nutrition and malnutrition. You will learn about building partnerships with women through respectful maternity care protocols and engaging fathers in maternity care.

Physiological changes during pregnancy include changes in the:

• Reproductive system

• Cardiovascular system

• Respiratory system

• Urinary system

• Gastrointestinal system

• Metabolic system

• Skeletal system

• Skin

• Endocrine system

• Psychological system

First Trimester

The first trimester includes antenatal assessment, history taking, physical examination, breast examination and laboratory investigations.

You will also study the identification and management of minor discomforts of pregnancy. Antenatal counselling covers lifestyle, nutrition, shared decision-making, risky behaviour and sexual life during pregnancy.

Other topics include:

• Danger signs during pregnancy

• Birth preparedness

• Complication readiness

• Respectful care

• Compassionate communication

• Recording and reporting

• GoI current model of ANC provision

• Role of Doula and ASHAs

Second Trimester

The second trimester covers physiological changes and discomforts. It also includes Rh-negative status and prophylactic anti-D.

You will study second-trimester tests and health education. The syllabus includes laboratory test performance and interpretation, calcium supplementation guidelines, glucose tolerance testing, IFA, calcium and vitamin D supplementation, immunization and screening results.

Fetal assessment includes abdominal palpation and assessment of fetal heart rate using Doppler and Pinard's stethoscope. You will also study DFMC, biophysical profile, non-stress test, cardiotocography, USG, vibro-acoustic stimulation and biochemical tests.

Third Trimester

The third trimester covers physiological changes, discomforts, tests and screening.

The topics include:

• Fetal engagement in late pregnancy

• Antenatal education classes

• Birth preparedness

• Complication readiness

• Health education on exclusive breastfeeding

• Danger signs of pregnancy

• Recognition of ruptured membranes

• Ongoing risk assessment

• Cultural needs

• Women-centred care

• Respectful communication

• Alternative birthing positions

• Role of Doula and ASHAs

Unit IV: Physiology, Management and Care During Labour

Unit IV focuses on the physiology and management of normal labour. It also covers care that supports a safe environment for women during labour.

The topics include:

• Normal labour and birth

• Onset of labour

• Per vaginal examination

• Stages of labour

• Organisation of the labour room

• Triage

• Preparation for birth

• Positive birth environment

• Respectful care and communication

• Drugs used in labour

First Stage of Labour

You will study the physiology of normal labour and the monitoring of labour progress using a partograph.

The topics include:

• Fetal wellbeing

• Care during the first stage

• Pain relief

• Psychological support

• Activity and positioning

• Nutrition during labour

• Positive childbirth experiences

• Role of the birth companion, Doula and ASHAs

Second Stage of Labour

The second stage covers the physiology and mechanism of labour. You will study the signs of imminent labour, intrapartum monitoring, birth positions, vaginal examination and psychological support.

The course also covers non-directive coaching and the management and conduct of birth. You will learn about essential newborn care and assessment immediately after birth.

Third Stage of Labour

This stage covers placental separation and expulsion and homeostasis. It includes physiological and active management of the third stage of labour.

The topics include:

• Examination of placenta, membranes and vessels

• Assessment of perineal and vaginal tears or injuries

• Suturing when required

• Insertion of postpartum IUCD

• Immediate perineal care

• Initiation of breastfeeding

• Skin-to-skin contact

• Vitamin K prophylaxis

• Newborn resuscitation

Fourth Stage of Labour

You will study the care of the mother and newborn during the fourth stage. This includes observation, critical analysis and management.

Maternal assessment includes fundal height, uterine consistency, urine output and blood loss. You will also study documentation, breastfeeding and latching, management of uterine cramps and alternative or complementary therapies.

The unit also covers childbirth practices, safe environments for the mother and newborn, bonding, and maintenance of records and reports.

Unit V: Postpartum Care and Ongoing Care of Women

Unit V covers normal puerperium and postnatal care. You will study the physiology and duration of puerperium and the care required during the postnatal period.

The topics include:

• Postnatal assessment and care

• Facility-based and home-based care

• Perineal hygiene and care

• Bladder and bowel function

• Minor disorders of puerperium and their management

• Physiology of lactation

• Lactation management

• Postnatal counselling

• Psychological support

• Normal postnatal baby blues

• Recognition of postnatal depression

• Transition to parenthood

• Care from 72 hours to 6 weeks after delivery

• Cultural competence

• Taboos related to postnatal diet and practices

• Diet during lactation

• Postpartum family planning

• Follow-up of postnatal mothers

• Drugs used in the postnatal period

• Records and reports

Unit VI: Assessment and Ongoing Care of Normal Neonates

Unit VI focuses on family-centred care of the newborn. You will study respectful communication and the physiological adaptation of the normal neonate.

The topics include:

• Family-centred care

• Respectful care and communication

• Normal neonate

• Physiological adaptation

• Newborn assessment and care

• Screening for congenital anomalies

• Care of newborns from 72 hours to 6 weeks after delivery

• Routine newborn care

• Skin-to-skin contact

• Thermoregulation

• Infection prevention

• Asepsis and hand washing

• Immunization

• Minor disorders of newborn and their management

Skill Lab and Clinical Competencies

The skill lab and clinical components provide practical training in preconception, antenatal, intranatal, postnatal and newborn care.

You are expected to develop competencies in counselling women and families on preconception care, performing laboratory tests, conducting antenatal assessments and caring for normal antenatal mothers.

You will also learn to assist with selected investigations, counsel mothers and families, conduct childbirth education classes, set up a delivery unit and provide respectful maternity care during labour.

Other competencies include:

• Performing per-vaginal examination when indicated

• Conducting normal delivery with essential newborn care

• Demonstrating newborn resuscitation

• Assisting women during the transition to motherhood

• Providing postnatal and newborn care

• Performing assessments

• Providing counselling

Skill Lab Procedures and Skills

The skill lab includes demonstration and return demonstration of the prescribed procedures.

Clinical Postings for BSc Nursing 6th Sem Midwifery

The clinical posting lasts four weeks, with 40 hours per week. The posting areas include antenatal OPD and antenatal ward, post-partum clinic, PTCT Centre, postnatal ward and labour room.

Antenatal OPD and Antenatal Ward

The antenatal posting lasts one week. You will perform antenatal assessments and assist with selected antenatal diagnostic procedures.

The clinical skills include:

• History collection

• Physical examination

• Obstetric examination

• Pregnancy confirmation test

• Urine testing

• Blood testing for haemoglobin

• Blood test for malaria

• Blood grouping and typing

• Kick chart

• DFMC

• NST

• CTG

• USG

• Antenatal counselling

• Preparation for childbirth

• Birth preparedness

• Complication readiness

• Antenatal palpation

• Health talk

Post-Partum Clinic, PTCT Centre and Postnatal Ward

This posting lasts one week. You will perform postnatal assessments and provide care to normal postnatal mothers and newborns.

The clinical requirements include:

• Postnatal assessment

• Care of normal postnatal mothers

• Care of normal newborns

• Lactation management

• Postnatal counselling

• Newborn assessment

• Health teaching

• Family welfare counselling

• Cu-T insertion and removal

Labour Room

The labour room posting lasts two weeks. You will monitor labour using a partograph and provide care to women during labour.

The clinical skills include:

• Assessment of women in labour

• Partograph

• Per-vaginal examination if indicated

• Obstetric examination

• Care during the first stage of labour

• Pain management techniques

• Positions in labour

• Preparation for labour

• Physical and psychological preparation

• Conduction of normal delivery

• Essential newborn care

• Newborn resuscitation

• Active management of the third stage of labour

• Monitoring and care during the fourth stage of labour

Clinical training also includes partograph recording, PV examination, assisting or conducting normal delivery, episiotomy and suturing, and newborn resuscitation.

Assessment Methods

Assessment covers theory, skill lab and clinical learning. Theory assessment includes short-answer questions, objective-type questions and essay-type questions.

Practical learning is assessed through skill checklists and OSCE. Case studies and case presentations are also included. Other assessment methods mentioned in the course outline include quizzes, assignments and health talks.

Related Resources

• BSc Nursing Online Batches

• BSc Nursing Test Series

• BSc Nursing Exam Pattern

• BSc Nursing Exam Cut Off

• BSc Nursing Eligibility Criteria