Childbirth Educator Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield Childbirth Educator facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the recommended temperature for a newborn's bath water? → Around 100°F (38°C) — comfortably warm but not hot
2. What is the purpose of teaching the Lamaze technique in childbirth education? → To use focused breathing and movement to manage labor sensations
3. What is the most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage? → Uterine atony
4. What should childbirth educators tell new parents about postpartum mood disorders in fathers and partners? → Partners can also experience postpartum depression and should be screened
5. What is the purpose of the erythromycin eye ointment applied to newborns at birth in the US? → To prevent gonorrheal ophthalmia neonatorum, which can cause blindness
6. Which of the following best describes the latent phase of labor? → Early contractions that gradually increase as the cervix dilates to 6 cm
7. The plug of mucus that seals the cervical os during pregnancy is called: → Mucous plug
8. Which postpartum symptom requires immediate medical attention? → Soaking more than one pad per hour with bright red bleeding
9. How much of the baby's complete blood supply can be taken away if the umbilical cord is cut before it stops beating? → 1/3
10. Which hormone is primarily responsible for maintaining the uterine lining during early pregnancy until the placenta takes over? → Progesterone
11. What labor-related activity can actually cut the time a woman spends in labor by 28%? → Walking
12. The increase in maternal blood volume during pregnancy is approximately what percentage above pre-pregnancy levels? → 40–50%
13. What role does a doula play during labor that differs from a midwife? → Provides continuous emotional and physical support without clinical responsibilities
14. Typically, a transition lasts: → 1-2 hours
15. What are lochia and how long do they typically last? → Postpartum vaginal discharge lasting 4–6 weeks
16. How many wet diapers per day should parents expect from a 5-day-old breastfed newborn? → At least 6 wet diapers per day
17. Which contraceptive method is considered safe to start immediately postpartum even while breastfeeding? → Progesterone-only methods (mini-pill, Nexplanon)
18. By approximately which week of gestation does the placenta fully take over hormone production from the corpus luteum? → Week 10
19. What is the definition of transition in labor? → The end of the first stage when the cervix dilates from 8–10 cm
20. What is the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale used for? → Screening for postpartum depression and anxiety symptoms
21. For a first-time mother, labor typically lasts: → 12-24 hours
22. During which stage of labor does the placenta deliver? → Third stage
23. What anatomical change causes many pregnant women to experience shortness of breath in the third trimester? → Decreased lung capacity from uterine pressure on the diaphragm
24. What is nitrous oxide (laughing gas) used for in labor pain management? → To reduce anxiety and take the edge off pain without causing numbness
25. What is the purpose of sitz baths in postpartum perineal care? → To soothe and promote healing of perineal tissues through warm water immersion
26. Which of the 4 things measured during a vaginal exam give an accurate indication of how long it will be before the baby is born? → None of them
27. What is a perineal laceration repair and what degree is considered most severe? → A sutured tear of perineal tissue; fourth-degree is most severe
28. Which breathing technique is commonly taught in childbirth education to help manage early labor contractions? → Slow-paced breathing
29. What is the average length of active labor for a first-time mother? → 4–8 hours
30. What is the current AAP recommendation for infant sleep position to reduce SIDS risk? → Always place infants on their back to sleep