On Friday 21 March 2025, I had the privilege of attending the Scottish Early Pregnancy Network (SEPN) professional and educational meeting. I was also honoured to co-present a systematic review of observational studies and a meta-analysis entitled "Bacterial Vaginosis and the Risk of First Trimester Miscarriage."
Presenting my research to a multidisciplinary audience, including clinicians, researchers, and allied health professionals, was both an enriching and rewarding experience. It helped me build confidence in public speaking and enhanced my ability to communicate complex research findings effectively. I began the presentation with an overview of bacterial vaginosis, outlining its clinical significance and its potential association with first trimester miscarriage and recurrent pregnancy loss. I then introduced the concept of the vaginal microbiome and its role in early pregnancy outcomes.
We detailed our research methodology including the systematic search strategy, inclusion criteria, data extraction process, and the statistical techniques used for the meta-analysis. We presented our findings, discussed the risk of bias in included studies, and explored how our results aligned with or differed from existing literature. The presentation concluded with a summary of the key findings and their clinical implications. The subsequent Q&A session was a valuable opportunity to engage in thoughtful discussion and receive feedback from experienced professionals.
Throughout the day, I attended a series of insightful presentations delivered by renowned experts from diverse areas of healthcare including obstetricians, midwives, nurses, and sonographers. Topics covered ranged from hyperemesis gravidarum and early pregnancy ultrasound to the work of the Scottish Hydatidiform Mole Service.
In addition, I participated in interactive workshops including a thought-provoking session titled "Learning When Things Go Wrong" which explored reflective practice and patient safety. A particularly memorable component of the day was a simulated scenario on "Breaking Bad News" where professionals from different backgrounds collaborated to discuss best practices, particularly in the context of molar pregnancies.
The event offered valuable networking opportunities during breaks, allowing me to connect with peers and professionals who share a passion for improving early pregnancy care. Overall, my experience at SEPN was both professionally fulfilling and personally inspiring, reinforcing my commitment to research and evidence-based practice in women’s health.
