Dr Robert Douglas Wilson is a longtime leader within the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada and this article is based upon his knowledge and extensive experience of screening processes before, during and after pregnancy.

He states that ‘A consensus opinion, using four international preconception and prenatal evidence-based guidelines, recommends 21 gestational age-directed reproductive risk screening elements (three preconception; nine first trimester; three second trimester; four third trimester; one intrapartum; and one postpartum)’. For most IJBPE readers, his article is a very useful analysis of the range of screening options for people of childbearing age. 

After taking a deep dive into the world of screening, Dr Wilson stresses the importance of discussing with those being screened what the results actually mean and what the implications are for each individual, and to do so by listening to, and conversing with, the person rather than just announcing the results of their screening. That’s surely good advice.

---

Read more:
Wilson, R.D. (2024) Antenatal reproductive screening for pregnant people including preconception: Provides the best reproductive opportunity for informed consent, quality, and safety. Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S152169342400066X