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Pregnancy & children
Antenatal Screening
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Full list of topics
Making decisions about screening :
Thinking about screening and what it is for
Special reasons for wanting screening
Reasons for not having some or all screening
Discussing screening choices with your partner
Attitudes to disability and termination
Information for making decisions
Experiences of screening :
Nuchal translucency scan (low risk results)
Nuchal scan (being told something may be wrong)
Early dating scans
Blood test screening
18-20 week scan (low risk results)
18-20 week scan (being told something may be wrong)
Understanding screening test results
Having further tests and getting results :
Deciding whether to have further diagnostic tests
Having further tests and waiting for results
Getting diagnostic test results
Thoughts, discussions and info after diagnosis
Deciding to continue with the pregnancy :
Making the decision to continue with the pregnancy
What the rest of pregnancy and birth was like
Feelings about screening looking back
Deciding to end the pregnancy :
Making the decision to end the pregnancy
The experience of ending a pregnancy
Feelings and reflections afterwards
Views on screening & feelings in later pregnancies
When screening does not detect a condition :
Learning after birth that the baby has a condition
How it has affected parents' views about screening
Living with disabilities or a chronic condition :
Living with a child with a long term condition
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Antenatal Screening
Subject index
Clip
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Normal results or declining screening
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Interview AN24
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She was anxious about her family history of Down's syndrome, although genetic tests showed no evidence it was inherited.
Family history of Down's syndrome. Had amniocentesis in both pregnancies to rule out Down's syndrome, even though nuchal scan results were low risk.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Normal results or declining screening
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Interview AN24
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She decided not to tell her mother she was pregnant at first because it would make her anxious too.
Family history of Down's syndrome. Had amniocentesis in both pregnancies to rule out Down's syndrome, even though nuchal scan results were low risk.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Normal results or declining screening
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Interview AN24
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She decided not to have a CVS (Chorionic Villus Sampling) when her nuchal scan results came back low risk, but was still considering amniocentesis.
Family history of Down's syndrome. Had amniocentesis in both pregnancies to rule out Down's syndrome, even though nuchal scan results were low risk.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Normal results or declining screening
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Interview AN34
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She and her partner agreed quickly about screening but their views might change now they already have a baby.
Routine screening experiences. Healthy baby born 2002.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Normal results or declining screening
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Interview AN24
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A further scan also suggested she was at low risk of Down's syndrome, but she still wanted amniocentesis to know for certain.
Family history of Down's syndrome. Had amniocentesis in both pregnancies to rule out Down's syndrome, even though nuchal scan results were low risk.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Normal results or declining screening
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Interview AN13
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The fear of losing another baby after two miscarriages affected their discussion of their nuchal scan results.
Healthy pregnancy after 2 miscarriages; following nuchal scan results they considered amniocentesis and decided against. Baby born healthy, although mother had obstetric cholestasis in late pregnancy.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Normal results or declining screening
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Interview AN37
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She decided not to have any screening because it creates anxiety and as a Christian she would never have a termination.
Couple declined screening on principle in previous two and current pregnancy. Had a scan at around 20 weeks in two pregnancies for dating purposes only.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Normal results or declining screening
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Interview AN19
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A friend who had a child with Down's syndrome worried about what would happen to the child when she died.
Normal first pregnancy, routine screening experiences, including combined nuchal scan and blood test.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Normal results or declining screening
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Interview AN37
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He did not want screening because as a Christian he feels it undermines people with disabilities and he would never consider termination.
Couple declined screening on principle in previous two and current pregnancy. Had a scan at around 20 weeks in two pregnancies for dating purposes only.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Normal results or declining screening
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Interview AN33
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She did not want screening because she would not have further tests, and would rather not worry for the rest of the pregnancy.
Couple declined all early screening in two pregnancies, because they would not consider terminating an affected pregnancy, but did have 20-week anomaly scans. Currently pregnant.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Normal results or declining screening
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Interview AN09
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She did not want to know if her baby had Down's syndrome but wanted to know about neural tube problems because of her family history.
Routine screening in two pregnancies - declined screening for Down's syndrome. Family history of hydrocephalus led to early prenatal counselling but no risk identified.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Ending an affected pregnancy
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Interview AN18
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She decided not to have the triple test in her first pregnancy because she thought she was too young to be at risk of Down's syndrome.
Spina bifida detected at 20-week scan in first pregnancy - some family history of the condition. Couple decided to end the pregnancy. Now pregnant again.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Normal results or declining screening
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Interview AN33
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They explained why they had the anomaly scan but not blood tests and why they felt differently about them.
Couple declined all early screening in two pregnancies, because they would not consider terminating an affected pregnancy, but did have 20-week anomaly scans. Currently pregnant.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Normal results or declining screening
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Interview AN09
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She and her husband had different views about how they would cope with a child with physical or learning disabilities.
Routine screening in two pregnancies - declined screening for Down's syndrome. Family history of hydrocephalus led to early prenatal counselling but no risk identified.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Normal results or declining screening
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Interview AN01
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When she and her husband discussed their feelings about disability after screening, they discovered they had different views.
Normal first pregnancy, routine screening experiences. Had to spend time in hospital late in pregnancy for investigation of bleeding.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Normal results or declining screening
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Interview AN23
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She and her partner agreed quickly what they'd do with screening results, but it was difficult to start the discussion.
After initial contact with NHS, decided to have antenatal care in France, including 3 scans with normal results. Baby born 2 months early in England.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Normal results or declining screening
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Interview AN13
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They discussed at length what they would do with screening results, but he felt he should support his partner's decision.
Healthy pregnancy after 2 miscarriages; following nuchal scan results they considered amniocentesis and decided against. Baby born healthy, although mother had obstetric cholestasis in late pregnancy.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Normal results or declining screening
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Interview AN08
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She might have considered amniocentesis if her scan results had shown she had an increased chance of something being wrong with the baby and she was f
Normal first pregnancy, routine screening experiences. Private care throughout pregnancy.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Normal results or declining screening
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Interview AN19
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She and her husband agreed they would have chosen to end the pregnancy if the baby had Down's syndrome.
Normal first pregnancy, routine screening experiences, including combined nuchal scan and blood test.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Normal results or declining screening
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Interview AN14
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They postponed discussion of what they might do about their screening results until they had further information to discuss.
Seven and a half months pregnant with twins conceived by IVF. Has had scans throughout pregnancy; nuchal translucency scan had to be repeated because of the babies' position.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Normal results or declining screening
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Interview AN11
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She and her partner had different views about what they would do with the results of screening tests, so they postponed further discussion.
Normal first pregnancy; screening carried out in US, before return to UK when 6 months pregnant. Declined amniocentesis (offered as standard). Compares US and UK.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Normal results or declining screening
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Interview AN23
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Having seen her cousin's experience of Down's syndrome, she would not want to see her own child go through the same thing.
After initial contact with NHS, decided to have antenatal care in France, including 3 scans with normal results. Baby born 2 months early in England.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Normal results or declining screening
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Interview AN21
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From previous experience, she felt having a baby with Down's syndrome would put pressure on her relationship with her husband.
Normal first pregnancy; some early scanning after bleeding in first trimester. Screening includes nuchal translucency scan and blood testing.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Normal results or declining screening
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Interview AN25
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She would want to be prepared for having a baby with Down's syndrome, having seen a friend's experiences.
Two normal pregnancies. Nuchal scan not available locally, so had blood screening. Unable to have 20-week scan in first pregnancy because of staff shortages.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Normal results or declining screening
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Interview AN11
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Having a great-aunt who had Down's syndrome, she would want to know in advance if her baby had the condition, but would continue the pregnancy.
Normal first pregnancy; screening carried out in US, before return to UK when 6 months pregnant. Declined amniocentesis (offered as standard). Compares US and UK.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Continuing with an affected pregnancy
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Interview AN30
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When they went for the nuchal scan, the sonographer asked why they would want to know about abnormalities if they would not consider a termination.
Down's syndrome suspected at nuchal scan. Couple declined amniocentesis and continued with the pregnancy. Further scans suggested heart problems (operated on successfully since baby's birth).
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Normal results or declining screening
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Interview AN08
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The results of her nuchal scan indicated a very low risk, which was reassuring.
Normal first pregnancy, routine screening experiences. Private care throughout pregnancy.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Normal results or declining screening
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Interview AN05
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Even though her background meant she was well informed about healthcare, she would have liked more face-to-face discussion of screening.
4 months pregnant. Normal screening results. One scan in early pregnancy, no other scans planned. Alphafetoprotein results not yet received.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Normal results or declining screening
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Interview AN09
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It is time-consuming for health professionals to inform people fully, especially about all the conditions being screened for.
Routine screening in two pregnancies - declined screening for Down's syndrome. Family history of hydrocephalus led to early prenatal counselling but no risk identified.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Continuing with an affected pregnancy
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Interview AN06
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He felt the local hospital needed to be better prepared to discuss the results of the nuchal scan with them.
Third pregnancy, after two miscarriages. Nuchal scan suggested problems; CVS ruled out Down's syndrome but heart problems identified by further scan. Baby born March 2003, successful surgery completed.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Baby's condition detected after birth
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Interview AN12
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She paid for a nuchal scan after a previous miscarriage. The result was reassuring.
Second child born with Down's syndrome after low risk nuchal scan results, and no problems detected at 20-week scan. Home birth. Daughter now aged two.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Ending an affected pregnancy
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Interview AN32
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Her 12-week dating scan had to be repeated twice, and she was told the baby's nuchal fold was swollen.
Problems detected in first pregnancy at routine 12 week dating scan - confirmed as Edward's syndrome by CVS. Couple decided to end the pregnancy. Now pregnant again.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Normal results or declining screening
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Interview AN27
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She was still waiting for some blood test results to come back months later, including for sickle cell disease.
Healthy pregnancy, routine screening. Some blood test results came back abnormal. Levels of information and choice have been a concern.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Ending an affected pregnancy
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Interview AN35
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She had the combined blood test and nuchal scan in her first pregnancy. It was the blood test results that alerted them to their baby's condition (Tur
Combined nuchal scan/blood test suggested high risk; early results ruled out trisomies but subsequently diagnosed a severe form of Turner's syndrome. Couple decided to end the pregnancy; now pregnant again.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Ending an affected pregnancy
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Interview AN16
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She refused the triple test in her first pregnancy because she did not realise it was for spina bifida as well as Down's syndrome.
Anencephaly detected at 20-week scan in first pregnancy. Considered continuing the pregnancy but eventually decided to induce labour early. Second pregnancy miscarried. Now pregnant again.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Normal results or declining screening
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Interview AN25
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She was informed about the triple test, but surprised the midwife would visit her if the results showed an increased chance that something was wrong.
Two normal pregnancies. Nuchal scan not available locally, so had blood screening. Unable to have 20-week scan in first pregnancy because of staff shortages.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Normal results or declining screening
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Interview AN25
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Her blood test results were reassuringly low risk, but she knew this could not guarantee Down's syndrome was not present.
Two normal pregnancies. Nuchal scan not available locally, so had blood screening. Unable to have 20-week scan in first pregnancy because of staff shortages.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Normal results or declining screening
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Interview AN01
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Her nuchal scan results were lower risk, but she still did not feel completely reassured.
Normal first pregnancy, routine screening experiences. Had to spend time in hospital late in pregnancy for investigation of bleeding.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Baby's condition detected after birth
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Interview AN12
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Because her nuchal scan results reassured her she was low risk, she never expected her baby would have Down's syndrome.
Second child born with Down's syndrome after low risk nuchal scan results, and no problems detected at 20-week scan. Home birth. Daughter now aged two.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Normal results or declining screening
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Interview AN13
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After being reassured at first, they found the meaning of risk statistics from the nuchal scan in their most recent pregnancy hard to interpret.
Healthy pregnancy after 2 miscarriages; following nuchal scan results they considered amniocentesis and decided against. Baby born healthy, although mother had obstetric cholestasis in late pregnancy.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Normal results or declining screening
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Interview AN13
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Ringing the Antenatal Results and Choices support group helped her think through her nuchal scan results and decide not to have further tests.
Healthy pregnancy after 2 miscarriages; following nuchal scan results they considered amniocentesis and decided against. Baby born healthy, although mother had obstetric cholestasis in late pregnancy.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Normal results or declining screening
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Interview AN14
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She had good information about the scan results but sometimes having more information raises more questions for staff to explain.
Seven and a half months pregnant with twins conceived by IVF. Has had scans throughout pregnancy; nuchal translucency scan had to be repeated because of the babies' position.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Ending an affected pregnancy
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Interview AN02
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When she first heard her nuchal scan results, she did not interpret 1 in 20 as very high risk.
1997 - nuchal scan and CVS confirmed Down's syndrome - decided to end the pregnancy. Has since had a healthy baby and is now pregnant again. Had CVS again.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Continuing with an affected pregnancy
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Interview AN29
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She had a cordocentesis when a heart condition was diagnosed in her fifth pregnancy, to check if the baby had Down's syndrome as well. They needed to
After four miscarriages, scan in fifth pregnancy found heart defects. Couple decided to continue the pregnancy. Son, now 4, has had some additional problems. Pregnant at time of interview.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Continuing with an affected pregnancy
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Interview AN07
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Their nuchal scan results gave them a risk of 1 in 21. They felt they needed certainty, so they had CVS (Chorionic Villus Sampling).
Third pregnancy, after two miscarriages. Nuchal translucency scan suggested problems; CVS ruled out Down's syndrome but heart problems identified by further scan. Baby born March 2003, successful surgery completed.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Ending an affected pregnancy
>>
Interview AN35
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They worried about the risk of miscarriage but decided to have CVS (Chorionic Villus Sampling) in their first pregnancy because their screening result
Combined nuchal scan/blood test suggested high risk; early results ruled out trisomies but subsequently diagnosed a severe form of Turner's syndrome. Couple decided to end the pregnancy; now pregnant again.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
>>
Ending an affected pregnancy
>>
Interview AN31
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She needed to know whether her baby had Down's syndrome, but felt a bit pressurised into having CVS (Chorionic Villus Sampling) immediately.
Problems detected in first pregnancy at nuchal scan - confirmed as Down's syndrome by CVS. Couple decided to end the pregnancy. Subsequent normal pregnancy and birth.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Ending an affected pregnancy
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Interview AN17
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Sometimes healthcare staff assume you will have further tests. When the nuchal scan results in her second pregnancy indicated an increased chance of a
Hydrocephalus detected by 20-week scan and amniocentesis in first pregnancy. Felt the decision to end the pregnancy was rushed. Miscarriage and two healthy pregnancies since.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Continuing with an affected pregnancy
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Interview AN30
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They decided to have heart scans only and not amniocentesis. Staff pushed them to consider this carefully.
Down's syndrome suspected at nuchal scan. Couple declined amniocentesis and continued with the pregnancy. Further scans suggested heart problems (operated on successfully since baby's birth).
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Continuing with an affected pregnancy
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Interview AN30
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Meeting someone who had a baby with Down's syndrome made her re-think whether she should have amniocentesis, but her GP helped clarify her thoughts.
Down's syndrome suspected at nuchal scan. Couple declined amniocentesis and continued with the pregnancy. Further scans suggested heart problems (operated on successfully since baby's birth).
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Continuing with an affected pregnancy
>>
Interview AN04
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They decided against termination, but had amniocentesis to check if the baby had a chromosomal condition as well as a heart condition.
Hypoplastic left heart diagnosed after scan and amniocentesis at 25 weeks in second pregnancy. Decided to continue with the pregnancy. Son is now 2.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Ending an affected pregnancy
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Interview AN39
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Watching a TV programme in her most recent pregnancy made her decide to have amniocentesis to check for Down's syndrome.
Hypoplastic left heart suspected at 19-week scan, confirmed by cardiac scan. Couple decided to end the pregnancy. Chose amniocentesis in next pregnancy (baby born 2002).
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Ending an affected pregnancy
>>
Interview AN40
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Watching a TV programme in her first pregnancy made her realise that screening could not give a definite diagnosis, so she decided to have amniocentes
Down's syndrome detected by amniocentesis in first pregnancy. Couple decided to end the pregnancy. Baby son born since.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Ending an affected pregnancy
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Interview AN40
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When she went for amniocentesis, the doctor questioned whether it was necessary, but she chose to go ahead.
Down's syndrome detected by amniocentesis in first pregnancy. Couple decided to end the pregnancy. Baby son born since.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
>>
Normal results or declining screening
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Interview AN11
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Her doctor in America recommended amniocentesis as a routine investigation, but she did not agree.
Normal first pregnancy; screening carried out in US, before return to UK when 6 months pregnant. Declined amniocentesis (offered as standard). Compares US and UK.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Ending an affected pregnancy
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Interview AN31
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They were both very upset, and couldn't talk about what they would do until they had the CVS (Chorionic Villus Sampling) results.
Problems detected in first pregnancy at nuchal scan - confirmed as Down's syndrome by CVS. Couple decided to end the pregnancy. Subsequent normal pregnancy and birth.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Ending an affected pregnancy
>>
Interview AN02
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The midwife rang her at home with the CVS (Chorionic Villus Sampling) results to tell her the baby had Down's syndrome, but she was at work. The midwi
1997 - nuchal scan and CVS confirmed Down's syndrome - decided to end the pregnancy. Has since had a healthy baby and is now pregnant again. Had CVS again.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
>>
Ending an affected pregnancy
>>
Interview AN40
>>
The midwife came in person with her amniocentesis results. She was stunned to hear the baby had Down's syndrome.
Down's syndrome detected by amniocentesis in first pregnancy. Couple decided to end the pregnancy. Baby son born since.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
>>
Ending an affected pregnancy
>>
Interview AN39
>>
She had a fetal heart scan straight after the 20-week scan in her fourth pregnancy, and staff explained her baby's heart condition very clearly.
Hypoplastic left heart suspected at 19-week scan, confirmed by cardiac scan. Couple decided to end the pregnancy. Chose amniocentesis in next pregnancy (baby born 2002).
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Ending an affected pregnancy
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Interview AN40
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The midwife gave them excellent information about Down's syndrome and about the process of termination, but with hindsight it might have been better t
Down's syndrome detected by amniocentesis in first pregnancy. Couple decided to end the pregnancy. Baby son born since.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Continuing with an affected pregnancy
>>
Interview AN06
>>
The internet was a valuable source of information, and helped them identify questions to ask about their son's heart condition. Their doctors always r
Third pregnancy, after two miscarriages. Nuchal scan suggested problems; CVS ruled out Down's syndrome but heart problems identified by further scan. Baby born March 2003, successful surgery completed.
Pregnancy & children
>>
Antenatal Screening
>>
Ending an affected pregnancy
>>
Interview AN31
>>
She decided not to meet another woman with a baby with Down's syndrome, because she would feel under pressure to continue the pregnancy.
Problems detected in first pregnancy at nuchal scan - confirmed as Down's syndrome by CVS. Couple decided to end the pregnancy. Subsequent normal pregnancy and birth.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Continuing with an affected pregnancy
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Interview AN45
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The hospital advised against meeting parents of babies with Down's syndrome. She did not get in touch with support groups.
Their son was diagnosed with a complete Atrioventricular Septal Defect (AVSD), pulmonary atresia and right atrial isomerism. Other problems: No spleen and mal-rotation of the gut. Treatment: A BT shunt at 24 hrs old, followed by the Glenn procedure at 6 months. More of this interview can be seen on the DIPEX Congenital Heart Disease site as interview CHD14.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Continuing with an affected pregnancy
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Interview AN30
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During pregnancy they went to meet other families and people with disabilities to help their decision-making.
Down's syndrome suspected at nuchal scan. Couple declined amniocentesis and continued with the pregnancy. Further scans suggested heart problems (operated on successfully since baby's birth).
Pregnancy & children
>>
Antenatal Screening
>>
Ending an affected pregnancy
>>
Interview AN02
>>
From her experience of meeting children with Down's syndrome she did not realise the range of disability and health problems it could involve, from mi
1997 - nuchal scan and CVS confirmed Down's syndrome - decided to end the pregnancy. Has since had a healthy baby and is now pregnant again. Had CVS again.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Ending an affected pregnancy
>>
Interview AN31
>>
She felt the consultant was unsympathetic and wanted her to decide quickly whether to end the pregnancy. He said she could have more children.
Problems detected in first pregnancy at nuchal scan - confirmed as Down's syndrome by CVS. Couple decided to end the pregnancy. Subsequent normal pregnancy and birth.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
>>
Continuing with an affected pregnancy
>>
Interview AN07
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They thought through how they felt about different conditions and whether they would want to continue with the pregnancy. She felt she might not get a
Third pregnancy, after two miscarriages. Nuchal translucency scan suggested problems; CVS ruled out Down's syndrome but heart problems identified by further scan. Baby born March 2003, successful surgery completed.
Pregnancy & children
>>
Antenatal Screening
>>
Continuing with an affected pregnancy
>>
Interview AN30
>>
They would want to continue with the pregnancy unless they felt their baby could not give and receive love, or if his heart condition had been inopera
Down's syndrome suspected at nuchal scan. Couple declined amniocentesis and continued with the pregnancy. Further scans suggested heart problems (operated on successfully since baby's birth).
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
>>
Continuing with an affected pregnancy
>>
Interview AN30
>>
They wanted to be treated as normal expectant parents, and she joined local NHS antenatal classes.
Down's syndrome suspected at nuchal scan. Couple declined amniocentesis and continued with the pregnancy. Further scans suggested heart problems (operated on successfully since baby's birth).
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
>>
Continuing with an affected pregnancy
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Interview AN30
>>
Knowing before birth that their son would have special needs enabled them to make practical arrangements in advance.
Down's syndrome suspected at nuchal scan. Couple declined amniocentesis and continued with the pregnancy. Further scans suggested heart problems (operated on successfully since baby's birth).
Pregnancy & children
>>
Antenatal Screening
>>
Ending an affected pregnancy
>>
Interview AN31
>>
She had always thought she would end a pregnancy if something was wrong, but the decision was heartbreaking.
Problems detected in first pregnancy at nuchal scan - confirmed as Down's syndrome by CVS. Couple decided to end the pregnancy. Subsequent normal pregnancy and birth.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
>>
Ending an affected pregnancy
>>
Interview AN02
>>
It was hard to start discussing whether to end the pregnancy. Their doctor did not appreciate how difficult it was.
1997 - nuchal scan and CVS confirmed Down's syndrome - decided to end the pregnancy. Has since had a healthy baby and is now pregnant again. Had CVS again.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Ending an affected pregnancy
>>
Interview AN02
>>
She had a surgical termination at just over 14 weeks. She felt no-one treated her sympathetically or recognised her distress on the day it happened.
1997 - nuchal scan and CVS confirmed Down's syndrome - decided to end the pregnancy. Has since had a healthy baby and is now pregnant again. Had CVS again.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Ending an affected pregnancy
>>
Interview AN40
>>
It was hard taking the mifepristone tablets to prepare for the termination. She kept wondering if the diagnosis was wrong.
Down's syndrome detected by amniocentesis in first pregnancy. Couple decided to end the pregnancy. Baby son born since.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Ending an affected pregnancy
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Interview AN40
>>
The termination was more painful than she expected and it was frightening not knowing what to expect.
Down's syndrome detected by amniocentesis in first pregnancy. Couple decided to end the pregnancy. Baby son born since.
Pregnancy & children
>>
Antenatal Screening
>>
Ending an affected pregnancy
>>
Interview AN31
>>
The hospital had a special room for people experiencing a termination. The midwives were very supportive to both parents.
Problems detected in first pregnancy at nuchal scan - confirmed as Down's syndrome by CVS. Couple decided to end the pregnancy. Subsequent normal pregnancy and birth.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Ending an affected pregnancy
>>
Interview AN40
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She decided not to look at the baby, but sometimes wonders if it would have helped. She has kept photographs.
Down's syndrome detected by amniocentesis in first pregnancy. Couple decided to end the pregnancy. Baby son born since.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Ending an affected pregnancy
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Interview AN31
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She will never feel comfortable with the decision to end the pregnancy, but counselling has helped turn guilt into regret.
Problems detected in first pregnancy at nuchal scan - confirmed as Down's syndrome by CVS. Couple decided to end the pregnancy. Subsequent normal pregnancy and birth.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Ending an affected pregnancy
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Interview AN16
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Deciding whether to continue or end a pregnancy can place great strain on relationships. It has to be a joint decision.
Anencephaly detected at 20-week scan in first pregnancy. Considered continuing the pregnancy but eventually decided to induce labour early. Second pregnancy miscarried. Now pregnant again.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Ending an affected pregnancy
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Interview AN40
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In her next pregnancy she wanted to know for certain if anything was wrong, so she had amniocentesis again.
Down's syndrome detected by amniocentesis in first pregnancy. Couple decided to end the pregnancy. Baby son born since.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Ending an affected pregnancy
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Interview AN02
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In her current pregnancy she decided to have CVS (Chorionic Villus Sampling). She found it hard to understand how her risk was calculated this time.
1997 - nuchal scan and CVS confirmed Down's syndrome - decided to end the pregnancy. Has since had a healthy baby and is now pregnant again. Had CVS again.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Ending an affected pregnancy
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Interview AN31
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In her next pregnancy, she thought she would want CVS (Chorionic Villus Sampling), but decided against it because her nuchal scan results were low ris
Problems detected in first pregnancy at nuchal scan - confirmed as Down's syndrome by CVS. Couple decided to end the pregnancy. Subsequent normal pregnancy and birth.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Baby's condition detected after birth
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Interview AN12
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Their daughter's Down's syndrome was not formally diagnosed for two weeks after birth, but the mother had already wondered about it.
Second child born with Down's syndrome after low risk nuchal scan results, and no problems detected at 20-week scan. Home birth. Daughter now aged two.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Baby's condition detected after birth
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Interview AN12
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The delay in diagnosis and having a home delivery meant they got to know their daughter as a person first and had time to adjust gradually.
Second child born with Down's syndrome after low risk nuchal scan results, and no problems detected at 20-week scan. Home birth. Daughter now aged two.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Baby's condition detected after birth
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Interview AN12
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She felt screening was pointless as it could not give a definite diagnosis. She was concerned about pressure to have perfect babies.
Second child born with Down's syndrome after low risk nuchal scan results, and no problems detected at 20-week scan. Home birth. Daughter now aged two.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Baby's condition detected after birth
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Interview AN12
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Having another baby with Down's syndrome would have major implications for the family, but it would be difficult to contemplate termination. Media ima
Second child born with Down's syndrome after low risk nuchal scan results, and no problems detected at 20-week scan. Home birth. Daughter now aged two.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Baby's condition detected after birth
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Interview AN12
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When people are told their baby will have Down's syndrome, they need more balanced information about life with the condition.
Second child born with Down's syndrome after low risk nuchal scan results, and no problems detected at 20-week scan. Home birth. Daughter now aged two.
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Continuing with an affected pregnancy
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Interview AN30
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Having a baby with Down's syndrome has been a positive influence on their lives. The anxieties they faced did not feel very different from any other p
Down's syndrome suspected at nuchal scan. Couple declined amniocentesis and continued with the pregnancy. Further scans suggested heart problems (operated on successfully since baby's birth).
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Continuing with an affected pregnancy
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Interview AN30
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They are optimistic about their son's future because social attitudes towards Down's syndrome are continuing to improve.
Down's syndrome suspected at nuchal scan. Couple declined amniocentesis and continued with the pregnancy. Further scans suggested heart problems (operated on successfully since baby's birth).
Pregnancy & children
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Antenatal Screening
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Baby's condition detected after birth
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Interview AN12
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Discovering her daughter had Down's syndrome meant she had to change career plans. Caring for her is hard work, but some of the problems are created b
Second child born with Down's syndrome after low risk nuchal scan results, and no problems detected at 20-week scan. Home birth. Daughter now aged two.
Pregnancy & children
>>
Antenatal Screening
>>
Baby's condition detected after birth
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Interview AN12
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Having a child with Down's syndrome has been an enriching experience and has changed their view of what is important in life.
Second child born with Down's syndrome after low risk nuchal scan results, and no problems detected at 20-week scan. Home birth. Daughter now aged two.
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