Prenatal Screening: New Guidelines, New Challenges

Preconceptual and prenatal counseling recommendations have changed significantly over the past 12 months. Since January 2007, two new prenatal screening and testing practice bulletins have been published by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG).1,2 These changes are substantive and impact every clinician providing counseling to women who are pregnant or are considering pregnancy. These recommendations are also changing the prenatal experience for women; they will certainly notice the difference if this is not their first pregnancy. Clinicians must be prepared to answer patient questions, provide accurate information, and order the correct tests at the appropriate times. This article reviews the recent screening recommendations and describes the advantages and limitations of the screening tests.