This project focuses on genomic testing in the context of fetal loss and will include baseline assessment of current practice, and developing common pathways and educational resources.
Aims of the Fetal Loss project
Supported by the East Genomic Medicine Service Alliance (GMSA), the project will assess current practices, developing recommendations for shared pathways, and explore how genomic insights - particularly postmortem and stored fetal DNA - can better inform future pregnancies.
We invited bereavement midwives to be part of the service improvement by taking part in a survey via a one-to-one conversation with a member of the project team.
These anonymised discussions explored how counselling around postmortem and genomic testing is currently delivered, as well as highlighting examples of excellent care, identifying barriers and gaps, and assessing the availability and effectiveness of educational resources for clinicians.
The project team
- Dr Rachel Wooldridge (Consultant Obstetrician, East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust)
- Dr Jacqueline Eason (Consultant in Clinical Genetics, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust)
- Dr Pradeep Vasudevan (Consultant Clinical Geneticist, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust)
- Demi Blair (Registrar in Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust)
- Danielle Whittaker (Specialist Bereavement Midwife, East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust)
- Joanne Hargrave (Lead Midwife, East Genomics)
- Katy Blakely (Regional Programme Manager, East Genomics)
Our project partners
We have approached a broad range of stakeholders to engage with us and collaborate on the project. These include Royal Colleges, baby loss support charities, rare condition organisations, NHS bereavement teams and patients who have been affected by baby loss.
Progress to date
As of November 2025, we have conducted interviews with 17 of the 20 Trusts that fall within the East of England geography.
Next steps
- Collating all the questionnaires and finding common themes and areas for improvement
- Presenting at the Prenatal Genomics Community of Practice in January 2026
- Creation of educational tools for all bereavement midwives