The application of genomics can make a tangible difference to midwifery practice, enabling the prediction of potential situations at each stage of pregnancy which protects parents and their babies. From taking a family history, making a referral to specialist advice, or initiating specific tests, genomics continues to play a vital role in diagnosis and care management.
Expectant parents with a known medical or genetic condition are considered ‘high risk’ so having an awareness of genomics and the risks associated with labour and delivery is beneficial to enhanced care provision.
Genomics is included in the Nursing and Midwifery Council's standards of proficiency and is a key element in clinical practice.
My role as Midwifery Lead for the North West Genomic Medicine Service Alliance (NW GMSA) is to support midwives to feel supported, confident, and knowledgeable at every stage of their interaction with their patient, in line with their scope of practice.
Across midwifery practice, colleagues can adopt genomics into their practice for example screening midwives support patients and clinicians to understand the implications and benefits of screening. Consultant midwives provide leadership, education and practice development and research role to colleagues, whilst supporting the integration of genomics into practice.
The examination of the developing fetus using ultrasound not only enables measurements to be made to identify growth or fetal anomaly, but it informs the phenotype in some genomic conditions. Midwives trained in ultrasound should have an awareness and understanding of genomics, as well as fetal medicine midwives who support families with counselling prior to testing and following a diagnosis.
At the NW GMSA, we are working with and supporting colleagues across the region to adopt genomics into mainstream practice, using evidence-based methodologies to enhance awareness, confidence, and knowledge of genomics within nursing and midwifery practice and service demand.
Research midwives play a vital part in genomic pregnancy research which is underway regionally and nationally via the seven Genomic Medicine Service Alliances across England.
Across the North West, we are also working collaboratively with partners including Health Education England - North West, AHSNs, Cancer Alliances, charities, and other professional networks to test change and transform clinical practice.