Congenital infections
For each of the TORCH group, learn the fetal consequence and the gestation at which the risk is highest. Cytomegalovirus is the commonest congenital infection, and parvovirus causes fetal anaemia.
Our blueprint estimate puts 5–10 of the 200 questions in microbiology, 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
7
in our syllabus map
illness
3 other areas
Microbiology questions link an organism to a presentation, a fetal consequence and a treatment. Revision is most effective when organised by infection, with each organism carrying the same four attributes.
The 7 syllabus topics we map to Microbiology for Part 1.
For each of the TORCH group, learn the fetal consequence and the gestation at which the risk is highest. Cytomegalovirus is the commonest congenital infection, and parvovirus causes fetal anaemia.
The UK strategy is based on risk factors rather than universal screening, with intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis offered when a risk factor is present. Be able to list the risk factors and explain why universal screening has not been adopted.
Prevention of Early-Onset Group B Streptococcal Disease Microbiology and Infections in Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Choose treatments that are safe in pregnancy; doxycycline is the classic wrong answer for chlamydia. Know the principles of managing HIV in pregnancy, which determine mode of birth and infant feeding advice.
Microbiology and Infections in Obstetrics and Gynaecology HIV in Pregnancy: Management
Group A streptococcus is the most dangerous cause of puerperal sepsis. The emphasis is on early recognition and a time-critical bundle of actions.
Identification and Management of Maternal Sepsis Microbiology and Infections in Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Make a grid with organisms down the side and columns for transmission, effect on the fetus, diagnosis, treatment in pregnancy and prevention. Fill it from the summaries, then close the notes and rebuild it from memory. Revise sepsis separately as a sequence of actions, since it is tested as management rather than as recall.
Part 1 is 200 single best answer questions across two papers with no negative marking, so an informed guess always beats a blank. Microbiology is a lower-yield area in our blueprint estimate, but its content returns in Part 2 maternal medicine, so the effort carries forward.
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).