Trends in prenatal diagnosis of congenital anomalies in Western Australia between 1980 and 2020

The study examined changes in rates of prenatal diagnosis of congenital anomalies in Western Australia between 1980 and 2020 and found that the prevalence of prenatal diagnosis increased 5.5-fold over this time period. The increase was particularly substantial for cardiovascular, urogenital, and chromosomal anomalies. The study also found that prenatal diagnosis was positively associated with birth year, advanced maternal age, multiple anomalies, and major anomalies and inversely associated with remoteness and Aboriginality. The findings suggest that there is a need for increased provision of antenatal care services in remote regions and for Aboriginal populations.