MBBS OSCE · Obstetrics & Gynaecology
OSCE — Preterm Labour & Preterm Birth
Eight-minute OSCE station on Preterm Labour & Preterm Birth: focused history, examination priorities, investigations, emergency and definitive management.
On this page
Study tools
Exam tags
Brief (to candidate)
You will assess a patient with a presentation consistent with Preterm Labour & Preterm Birth.
You have 8 minutes to take a focused history, outline examination, investigations, and management including red flags.
Clinical context
Preterm labour (PTL) is the onset of regular painful uterine contractions with cervical change before 37 completed weeks of gestation; preterm birth (PTB) is delivery before 37 weeks — the commonest cause of neonatal mortality and a leading cause of childhood disability. Risk factors: infection (intra-amniotic, BV, UTI, STI — the biggest reversible driver), previous preterm birth (recurrence 20 to 30 percent), multiple pregnancy, short cervix, PPROM, uterine anomaly, prior cervical surgery, smoking, low BMI, short interpregnancy interval, IVF. Diagnosis: contractions with cervical change; prediction by TVUS cervical length under 25 mm and fetal fibronectin (negative is a powerful rule-out).
Candidate tasks
- Clarify onset, severity, associated features, and red-flag symptoms.
- State focused examination priorities.
- List first-line investigations and any named score/criteria.
- Give immediate resuscitation steps.
- Outline definitive management with doses/routes where standard.
- Name complications and disposition (ward / HDU / theatre / discharge safety-net).
- Mention one special-population modifier (pregnancy, child, elderly, CKD).
Examiner checklist
| Domain | Pass behaviours |
|---|---|
| Definition | Correct working diagnosis language |
| Assessment | Focused, prioritised, red flags sought |
| Investigations | Appropriate first-line + interpretation |
| Emergency care | ABC / time-critical actions first |
| Definitive care | Specific drugs/procedures, not generic phrases |
| Safety | Regular painful contractions with cervical change before 37 weeks - preterm labo |
| Safety | TVUS cervical length 25 mm or less OR positive fetal fibronectin before 37 weeks |
| Safety | PPROM (rupture of membranes before 37 weeks) - erythromycin 10 days + surveillan |
| Communication | Clear plan and safety-netting |
Model outline
Lead with the working diagnosis and life threats. Resuscitate before definitive tests when unstable. Use guideline-standard therapy with named agents and doses. Document escalation criteria and follow-up. A safe candidate is specific, structured, and never delays critical care for non-urgent imaging.