A midwife's role in prenatal screening

As technology in the field of investigative medicine is advancing rapidly, a growing number of expectant parents are choosing to undertake prenatal screening. However, as much of the literature surrounding this subject highlights, the processes, implications, limitations and results of this testing are still poorly understood by the majority of expectant parents. As informed choice and consent are of such importance in health care today, the distinct lack of knowledge in this area suggests that there is a further need for pre-test information and counselling, particularly as serum screening tests are performed on an opt-in basis. The role of the midwife has now been expanded to include genetic counselling. Therefore midwives must be fully informed about all areas of serum screening in order to impart this information to the women in their care. It is also essential for all women to understand the limitations of screening tests.