Acknowledging the theme of this issue, the current RANZCOG clinical guidance statements and guidelines that help inform the topic of perinatal infections include:

• Management of Hepatitis C in pregnancy (C-Obs 51)
• Maternal Group B Streptococcus in pregnancy: screening and management (C-Obs 19)
• Prevention of congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection (C-Obs 64)

RANZCOG also endorses the:

• Australasian Society for Infectious Diseases (ASID) Management of Perinatal Infections (2022)

It has been a busy year for Research and Policy, with the publication of five key new and updated clinical guidelines. These are:

• Miscarriage, Recurrent Miscarriage and Ectopic Pregnancy (C-Gyn 38)
• Australian Living Evidence Guideline: Endometriosis
• Vasa Praevia (C-Obs 47)
• Birth After Caesarean (C-Obs 38)
• Intrapartum Fetal Surveillance (C-Obs 1)

Professor Cindy Farquhar, Dean of Research and Policy, and her team of international researchers from Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland (UoA) and the RANZCOG Research and Policy Team (RaPT).

This year, Research and Policy have also broadened our scope of work to guideline implementation; including commencing work on the update of RANZCOG’s portfolio of Patient Information Pamphlets.

Research and Policy, along with the Women’s Health Committee would like to thank all Guideline Development Group Chairs and members for their valued work and contributions. All new guidelines and updated patient resources can be accessed on the College website.

The RaP and UoA teams at a workshop held in April in Djeembana, Melbourne – building collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Research and Policy have an exciting program of work planned for 2026, including but not limited to:

• Publication of a new evidence-based RANZCOG guideline on Menopause
• Publication of a new evidence-based Robotic Assisted Surgery in Gynaecology guideline
• Development of new and updated clinical guidance on:
  • Management of complications of the second stage of labour: assisted vaginal birth, shoulder dystocia & obstetric anal sphincter injury.
  • Abnormal uterine bleeding
  • Induction of labour

Get Involved in 2026

Opportunities to participate in guideline development and provide feedback on draft work are advertised in Connect – please keep an eye out throughout 2026.

Thank you to College members for your support and engagement with Research and Policy in 2025!

Contact Us

To connect with RANZCOG Research and Policy, or to provide feedback about guidelines or Patient Information Pamphlets, please contact: [email protected]