A Reflective Piece of Writing on the Aneuploidy Screening:
Introduction:
As a student midwife, being able to support women in making evidence-informed decisions is a
crucial aspect of becoming an accountable and autonomous professional (Nursing and Midwifery
Council, 2019). During a booking appointment, I attempted this by informing a woman about the
aneuploidy screening offered in the first trimester. I have followed the Gibbs’ (2013) Reflective
Cycle to guide me in this reflection and analysation of my experience.
Description:
During a booking appointment, I discussed the aneuploidy screening during pregnancy to a
primigravida woman. I informed her about what the combined screening was and what conditions
were available for screening. I explained to her that if this test results in a higher risk of her child
being born with a chromosomal abnormality, she will then be offered further testing options.
However, I was unable to go into much detail on these besides the brief differences between the
non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) and diagnostic testing. Recognising my limitations, I asked
my supervisor to answer any questions that the woman had about them.
Feelings:
Initially, I was confident in discussing the screening programme, as I had spent the two-week
placement listening to the midwives that I had worked alongside explain the process at each
booking appointment.
Despite being nervous to speak, I quickly got into a rhythm with what I was saying and calmed
down. Knowing that the woman was engaged with what I was saying and did not dismiss me as
‘the student’ both relaxed and reassured me that I could provide this information without being
anxious and tripping over my thoughts.
After the appointment, I felt proud that I had managed to explain the aneuploidy screening offered
and comfortable knowing that I was providing evidence-based knowledge in line with the Nursing
and Midwifery Council (NMC) Code (2018). The feedback I received from both my midwife and the
woman, stating that I articulated myself and was understandable also made me feel successful in
what I had attempted. However, I recognise my shortcomings in explaining the additional testing
offered in higher-chance pregnancies and realise that I must do further research about them.
Evaluation:
What went well the most with this episode of care was that I was able to communication clearly, in
accordance with the NMC guidance (2018). I achieved this by using terms that the woman was
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Introduction:
As a student midwife, being able to support women in making evidence-informed decisions is a
crucial aspect of becoming an accountable and autonomous professional (Nursing and Midwifery
Council, 2019). During a booking appointment, I attempted this by informing a woman about the
aneuploidy screening offered in the first trimester. I have followed the Gibbs’ (2013) Reflective
Cycle to guide me in this reflection and analysation of my experience.
Description:
During a booking appointment, I discussed the aneuploidy screening during pregnancy to a
primigravida woman. I informed her about what the combined screening was and what conditions
were available for screening. I explained to her that if this test results in a higher risk of her child
being born with a chromosomal abnormality, she will then be offered further testing options.
However, I was unable to go into much detail on these besides the brief differences between the
non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) and diagnostic testing. Recognising my limitations, I asked
my supervisor to answer any questions that the woman had about them.
Feelings:
Initially, I was confident in discussing the screening programme, as I had spent the two-week
placement listening to the midwives that I had worked alongside explain the process at each
booking appointment.
Despite being nervous to speak, I quickly got into a rhythm with what I was saying and calmed
down. Knowing that the woman was engaged with what I was saying and did not dismiss me as
‘the student’ both relaxed and reassured me that I could provide this information without being
anxious and tripping over my thoughts.
After the appointment, I felt proud that I had managed to explain the aneuploidy screening offered
and comfortable knowing that I was providing evidence-based knowledge in line with the Nursing
and Midwifery Council (NMC) Code (2018). The feedback I received from both my midwife and the
woman, stating that I articulated myself and was understandable also made me feel successful in
what I had attempted. However, I recognise my shortcomings in explaining the additional testing
offered in higher-chance pregnancies and realise that I must do further research about them.
Evaluation:
What went well the most with this episode of care was that I was able to communication clearly, in
accordance with the NMC guidance (2018). I achieved this by using terms that the woman was
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