Immunoglobulins and the placenta
Only IgG crosses the placenta, so IgM in a newborn means the baby made it, which points to fetal infection. Learn the function of each class.
Our blueprint estimate puts 5–10 of the 200 questions in basic immunology, about 3.8% of the paper, spread across both papers. It is our estimate, not a figure published by the RCOG. A smaller share of the paper, but still examined every sitting.
5–10
of 200
6
in our syllabus map
illness
3 other areas
Immunology is a small area, and the pregnancy-specific questions dominate it. The general immunology is a base for understanding rhesus disease, autoimmunity in pregnancy and the way the mother tolerates the fetus.
The 6 syllabus topics we map to Basic Immunology for Part 1.
Only IgG crosses the placenta, so IgM in a newborn means the baby made it, which points to fetal infection. Learn the function of each class.
Rhesus disease is a type II hypersensitivity reaction. Anti-D immunoglobulin prevents sensitisation but does nothing for a woman who is already sensitised, and the distinction decides which guideline applies.
The Use of Anti-D Immunoglobulin for Rh D Prophylaxis The Management of Women with Red Cell Antibodies during Pregnancy Genetics and Immunology for MRCOG Part 1
Know the proposed mechanisms by which the mother tolerates a semi-allogeneic fetus and the shift in the balance of T-helper responses, which also helps explain why rheumatoid arthritis often improves and lupus often flares.
Match each hypersensitivity type to a clinical example and to the effector involved. Complement questions are usually pattern recognition.
Start with the antibody classes and where each acts, then use rhesus disease as a worked example of a whole immune response, from sensitisation to hydrops. Revise autoimmune disease in pregnancy as a short list of which conditions improve, which worsen and which carry a fetal risk. Link everything back to the placenta.
Part 1 is 200 single best answer questions across two papers with no negative marking, so an informed guess always beats a blank. Immunology is low yield in our blueprint estimate. It is best revised alongside genetics, which it shares a summary with, and then tied to the antenatal care module in Part 2.
Every question is original and written from published RCOG and NICE guidance, and every explanation cites the guideline it came from. Free: 5 days full access, then 50 questions. No card.
Published RCOG and NICE guidance summarised for revision, with the source cited on every page.
MRCOG AI is an independent educational tool. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG).