References and source control

The IBSC handbook determines the exam scope and weighting. Clinical chapters include numbered references and review dates so guidance can be audited and updated.

Controlling exam source

International Board of Specialty Certification. Maternal Fetal Transport Microcredential Candidate Handbook. Updated April 2026.

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Chapter 4 clinical sources

The full numbered source list appears at the end of Chapter 4 and includes peer-reviewed literature addressing cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, airway, hematologic, and drug-disposition changes in pregnancy.

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Chapter 6 clinical sources

Chapter 6 uses the 2025 AHA/AAP neonatal resuscitation guidelines, the NRP 9th Edition, WHO thermal-protection guidance, ACOG/AAP Apgar guidance, and the IBSC handbook.

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Labor and fetal monitoring

  1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. First and Second Stage Labor Management. Clinical Practice Guideline No. 8. 2024.
  2. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Intrapartum Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring: Interpretation and Management. Clinical Practice Guideline No. 10. 2025.
  3. Macones GA, Hankins GDV, Spong CY, Hauth J, Moore T. The 2008 NICHD workshop report on electronic fetal monitoring. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2008;112:661–666.

Chapters 11–12 clinical sources

Chapter 11: IBSC handbook; ACOG gestational hypertension/preeclampsia guidance; SMFM maternal sepsis guidance; CDC GBS screening; point-of-care maternal ultrasound literature; ACOG diagnostic-imaging guidance.

Chapter 12: IBSC handbook; FDA Pregnancy and Lactation Labeling Rule; FDA medication-information resources; peer-reviewed pregnancy pharmacokinetic reviews; SMFM transport handoff guidance.

Open Chapter 11 references Open Chapter 12 references

Pharmacology references for Chapters 13–15

  • ACOG. Gestational Hypertension and Preeclampsia. Practice Bulletin No. 222.
  • ACOG. Emergent Therapy for Acute-Onset, Severe Hypertension During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period.
  • ACOG/SMFM. Magnesium Sulfate Before Anticipated Preterm Birth for Neuroprotection.
  • ACOG. Antenatal Corticosteroid Therapy for Fetal Maturation.
  • ACOG/SMFM. Use of Antenatal Corticosteroids at 22 Weeks of Gestation.
  • FDA. Warning Against Prolonged Use of Terbutaline for Preterm Labor.

Chapters 27–30 clinical sources

  • Chapter 27: IBSC handbook; ACOG opioid-use, cannabis, and substance-use guidance; ASAM opioid-use-disorder guidance; AHA toxicology resuscitation guidance; America’s Poison Centers.
  • Chapter 28: ACOG informed-consent and refusal guidance; CMS EMTALA requirements; HHS HIPAA and reproductive-health privacy guidance; applicable 42 CFR Part 2 principles.
  • Chapter 29: OAA/DAS obstetric difficult-airway guidelines; ASA obstetric anesthesia and difficult-airway guidance; SCCM RSI guidance.
  • Chapter 30: SCCM 2023 RSI guideline; OAA/DAS obstetric airway algorithms; ASA obstetric and difficult-airway guidance.

Chapters 31–34 sources

  • Chapter 31: IBSC handbook; OAA/DAS obstetric difficult-airway guidance; DAS 2025 adult difficult-intubation guidance; ASA difficult-airway guidance; ATS/ESICM/SCCM ARDS ventilation guideline.
  • Chapters 32–34: IBSC April 2026 candidate handbook, examination rules, content blueprint, score-reporting information, and retesting policy.
  • Chapter 33: Current clinical sources cited throughout Chapters 1–31.
Maternal-Fetal Transport Study Guide • Educational use only • Follow local protocols, scope, and medical direction.

Chapter 7: Obstetric History and Terminology

ACOG: Methods for Estimating the Due Date; Definition of Term Pregnancy; Obstetric Patient Record Forms; reVITALize Obstetrics Data Definitions; Routine Tests During Pregnancy; Placenta Accreta Spectrum. CDC: Screening for Group B Streptococcus Bacteria (2025). IBSC Maternal Fetal Transport Microcredential Candidate Handbook (2026).

Chapters 21–26 clinical sources

  • Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health: Obstetric Hemorrhage Patient Safety Bundle.
  • European Society of Cardiology: 2025 cardiovascular disease and pregnancy guideline.
  • American Diabetes Association: Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026.
  • Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine: Consult Series #67, Maternal Sepsis.
  • Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma: 2025 Trauma in Pregnancy guideline.
  • American Heart Association: 2025 Cardiac Arrest in Pregnancy Algorithm.