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• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 1-2 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 12 >> Says she was surprised to experience such heavy bleeding after the termination.

Her 1st pregnancy: 20-week scan indicated anomalies. Detailed scanning showed the baby had severe form of spina bifida. The pregnancy ended by induction at 20 weeks. She has polycystic ovarian syndrome and was taking folic acid before the pregnancy, she now takes a larger dose. One miscarriage since the termination.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 3-4 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 04 >> She felt her medical team were compassionate and supported her throughout her treatment.

She had an early termination, 2 miscarriages and a normal pregnancy. Her 5th pregnancy was ended by induction at 21 weeks - baby had Down's syndrome detected by amniocentesis. Since then she has had another baby.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 5-7 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 22 >> Describes how upset she felt as she went about her normal routines at home knowing her baby was dying.

Her 1st pregnancy: some bleeding and sickness, scan at 7 weeks confirmed pregnancy. 12-week scan normal. Triple test at 19 weeks, found raised AFP levels. 20-week scan identified hole in baby's heart and shortened limbs. Specialist scan found 2 holes in heart and abnormalities in limbs, bowel and brain- sent for amniocentesis. Pregnancy ended by induction at 21 weeks. She has had another baby since termination.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 8+ years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 28 >> She felt isolated and alone even though there were about 9 medical staff in the room watching her.

She has polycystic ovaries so took clomid. Experienced 3 miscarriages then conceived twins. 5th pregnancy: 11-week scan detected twins. Nuchal scan at 14 weeks indicated twins had Down's syndrome. 2 CVS tests done at specialist centre, Down's confirmed in one twin. Selective reducation of one twin by feticide at 15 weeks. Other twin continued to term.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 5-7 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 36 >> She felt no one was interested in the baby and felt guilty that she had accepted an epidural.

Mother of 2 children (1st and 3rd pregnancies). 2nd pregnancy: 20-week scan detected anomalies. Sent for specialist scan, baby diagnosed with holoprosencephaly. Amniocentesis. Pregnancy ended by induction at 21 weeks. She experienced post-natal depression. Sent for genetic counselling. 4th pregnancy: 12-week scan anomalies detected - baby diagnosed with anencephaly. Pregnancy ended surgically at 13 weeks. She had gynaecological problems following termination. She was pregnant at time of interview.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 3-4 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 24 >> She wanted to treat her baby with respect and was glad she decided to see him.

Mother of 1 child, she had a miscarriage in 1997. She has a heart condition and takes warfarin (heparin during pregnancy). 3rd pregnancy: 7-week scan confirmed pregnancy viable. 12 week scan no problems found. Nuchal scan at 13 weeks found baby had shortened femur, no tibia or fibular on right leg. Specialist scans confirmed lower limb deficiencies. Pregnancy ended at 17 weeks by induction.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 3-4 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 16 >> Describes how she instinctively wanted to hold and touch her baby and explains how she and her husband kept him with them overnight and had him blesse

Her 4th pregnancy: experienced sickness during first trimester and felt unwell. Blood test at 16 weeks detected Down's syndrome. Amniocentesis confirmed Down's. Pregnancy ended by induction at 19 weeks. Following the termination she had a stillbirth. (In 2005 she had another baby.)

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 3-4 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 04 >> Describes how she held her baby all night and talked to her about what had happened and why.

She had an early termination, 2 miscarriages and a normal pregnancy. Her 5th pregnancy was ended by induction at 21 weeks - baby had Down's syndrome detected by amniocentesis. Since then she has had another baby.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 3-4 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 19 >> Naming both the babies was important to his wife but he had his own way of remembering them.

His wife's 2nd pregnancy: 20-week scan detected neural tube defect. Specialist scan confirmed encephalocoele. Pregnancy ended at 23 weeks by feticide and induction. Post mortem identified Walker-Warburg syndrome - a genetic abnormality. 3rd pregnancy: nuchal scan revealed baby had anomalies, and by 19 weeks scan showed hydrocephalus. Pregnancy ended at 20 weeks by induction. Walker-Warburg syndrome identified at post mortem. Both parents (see EAP05) carriers of recessive gene. 4th child born in 2004.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 3-4 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 04 >> She has kept a special box for her baby's teddy and photographs.

She had an early termination, 2 miscarriages and a normal pregnancy. Her 5th pregnancy was ended by induction at 21 weeks - baby had Down's syndrome detected by amniocentesis. Since then she has had another baby.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 3-4 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 30 >> She decided to leave her photos of the baby in the kitchen so that members of her family could choose whether or not to look at them.

Her 2nd pregnancy: felt unwell and sick throughout pregnancy, some bleeding at 6 weeks. 11-week scan confirmed viability. 20-week scan detected heart abnormalities. Specialist scan identified tricuspid atresia and ventricular septal defect. Pregnancy ended by induction at 22 weeks. She has had another child since termination.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 8+ years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 28 >> Explains why the scan photographs of her son matter to her and give her comfort.

She has polycystic ovaries so took clomid. Experienced 3 miscarriages then conceived twins. 5th pregnancy: 11-week scan detected twins. Nuchal scan at 14 weeks indicated twins had Down's syndrome. 2 CVS tests done at specialist centre, Down's confirmed in one twin. Selective reducation of one twin by feticide at 15 weeks. Other twin continued to term.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 8+ years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 20 >> Explains why she didn't want to see photographs of her baby though she was willing for photographs to be taken and kept with her medical notes.

She has had two children (1st and 5th pregnancies), 2 miscarriages and 1 stillbirth. She has ended 2 pregnancies. 2nd pregnancy: anomalies detected at dating scan, so she was scanned regularly. By 18 weeks multiple abnormalities evident- sent for amniocentesis. Pregnancy ended by induction. Post mortem identified multiple pterygium syndrome - a genetic disorder caused by both parents having recessive gene. 4th pregnancy: IVF treatment, scanned at 10 weeks and anomalies detected- sent for amniocentesis. Pregnancy ended at 17 weeks. Amnio identified Down's syndrome.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 8+ years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 09 >> The photos of her baby were vitally important to her in the early days.

Her 2nd pregnancy: 20-week scan found baby had anomalies. Preliminary diagnosis after specialist cardiac scan was that baby had serious heart defects. Pregnancy ended by induction at 24 weeks. Post mortem revealed baby had hypoplastic left heart syndrome and an unbalanced chromosomal translocation (Robertsonian translocation of 13 and 14). Genetic counselling found that mother and her mother are carriers of a chromosomal disorder or translocation of the chromosomes. Since termination she has had another baby.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 5-7 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 27 >> The photos of her baby are all she's got and even though they show some facial abnormalities she is glad to have them.

Her 2nd pregnancy: she felt unwell throughout pregnancy. 12-week scan confirmed pregnancy viable. Amniocentesis identified Down's syndrome. Pregnancy ended by induction at 19 weeks. She had another baby 2 years later.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 3-4 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 30 >> Explains how it helped her in the days after the termination to keep a diary of her feelings about the baby.

Her 2nd pregnancy: felt unwell and sick throughout pregnancy, some bleeding at 6 weeks. 11-week scan confirmed viability. 20-week scan detected heart abnormalities. Specialist scan identified tricuspid atresia and ventricular septal defect. Pregnancy ended by induction at 22 weeks. She has had another child since termination.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 8+ years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 01 >> She had wanted one photo as a record but did not like it when staff took a roll of photographs of the baby.

Mother of 4 children. She became pregnant for 5th time in 1993. Amniocentesis detected the baby had Down's syndrome. The pregnancy was ended by induction at 19 weeks.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 5-7 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 08 >> She didn't 'gel' with her hospital midwife but found the community midwife helped both her and her husband.

Her 2nd pregnancy: felt unwell throughout pregnancy, AFP test at 16 weeks indicated that baby might have Down's syndrome, later confirmed by amniocentesis. Pregnancy was ended by induction at 21 weeks. She felt insufficiently prepared or informed about baby's post mortem.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 5-7 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 36 >> She appreciated the way the hospital chaplain helped her deal with what she had done and that he blessed her baby.

Mother of 2 children (1st and 3rd pregnancies). 2nd pregnancy: 20-week scan detected anomalies. Sent for specialist scan, baby diagnosed with holoprosencephaly. Amniocentesis. Pregnancy ended by induction at 21 weeks. She experienced post-natal depression. Sent for genetic counselling. 4th pregnancy: 12-week scan anomalies detected - baby diagnosed with anencephaly. Pregnancy ended surgically at 13 weeks. She had gynaecological problems following termination. She was pregnant at time of interview.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 8+ years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 01 >> Explains that some hours after the termination she heard newborn babies crying and that she felt a strong need to hold and cuddle a baby.

Mother of 4 children. She became pregnant for 5th time in 1993. Amniocentesis detected the baby had Down's syndrome. The pregnancy was ended by induction at 19 weeks.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 8+ years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 09 >> Describes how she hadn't wanted to leave the hospital because she knew she wouldn't see her baby again but that her partner eventually insisted.

Her 2nd pregnancy: 20-week scan found baby had anomalies. Preliminary diagnosis after specialist cardiac scan was that baby had serious heart defects. Pregnancy ended by induction at 24 weeks. Post mortem revealed baby had hypoplastic left heart syndrome and an unbalanced chromosomal translocation (Robertsonian translocation of 13 and 14). Genetic counselling found that mother and her mother are carriers of a chromosomal disorder or translocation of the chromosomes. Since termination she has had another baby.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 1-2 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 35 >> Describes going to fetch his other child the day after the termination and how he realised that his sadness about the baby would affect him too.

Father of 1 child. 2nd pregnancy: wife felt unwell throughout pregnancy. Nuchal scan at 12-weeks arranged privately, advised to have CVS - no problems detected. 20-week scan found baby had heart problems. Specialist cardiac scan confirmed baby had multiple problems in heart, stomach and spleen. Pregnancy ended by feticide and induction at 22 weeks. Post mortem confirmed multiple abnormalities. He is undecided about whether he wants another baby.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 3-4 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 24 >> She found dealing with her young daughter's questions when she got home was very difficult as were the next few weeks over Christmas.

Mother of 1 child, she had a miscarriage in 1997. She has a heart condition and takes warfarin (heparin during pregnancy). 3rd pregnancy: 7-week scan confirmed pregnancy viable. 12 week scan no problems found. Nuchal scan at 13 weeks found baby had shortened femur, no tibia or fibular on right leg. Specialist scans confirmed lower limb deficiencies. Pregnancy ended at 17 weeks by induction.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 1-2 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 12 >> She felt unprepared for the amount of bleeding she experienced after leaving hospital and says it was hard to avoid the maternity section of the super

Her 1st pregnancy: 20-week scan indicated anomalies. Detailed scanning showed the baby had severe form of spina bifida. The pregnancy ended by induction at 20 weeks. She has polycystic ovarian syndrome and was taking folic acid before the pregnancy, she now takes a larger dose. One miscarriage since the termination.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 3-4 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 30 >> Explains that it was difficult to leave the baby behind and then deal with the physical after effects of having had a baby.

Her 2nd pregnancy: felt unwell and sick throughout pregnancy, some bleeding at 6 weeks. 11-week scan confirmed viability. 20-week scan detected heart abnormalities. Specialist scan identified tricuspid atresia and ventricular septal defect. Pregnancy ended by induction at 22 weeks. She has had another child since termination.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 1-2 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 13 >> Describes feeling angry to be asked why she hadn't attended an antenatal appointment after having let her local surgery know about the termination.

Her 1st pregnancy: heavy bleeding in first trimester caused by ovarian haematoma. 20-week scan found insufficient amniotic fluid - possible premature rupture of membranes. Parents advised that baby could have lung damage/ breathing difficulties - uncertain prognosis. Pregnancy ended by induction at 23 weeks. Post mortem indicated that baby's development not affected by rupture of membranes. Twins born since termination.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 3-4 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 16 >> Says that she had never lost anyone really close to her before and that this was the first funeral she had attended.

Her 4th pregnancy: experienced sickness during first trimester and felt unwell. Blood test at 16 weeks detected Down's syndrome. Amniocentesis confirmed Down's. Pregnancy ended by induction at 19 weeks. Following the termination she had a stillbirth. (In 2005 she had another baby.)

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 5-7 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 22 >> Describes her baby's funeral and how the weather seemed to match her feelings and explains why she felt better afterwards.

Her 1st pregnancy: some bleeding and sickness, scan at 7 weeks confirmed pregnancy. 12-week scan normal. Triple test at 19 weeks, found raised AFP levels. 20-week scan identified hole in baby's heart and shortened limbs. Specialist scan found 2 holes in heart and abnormalities in limbs, bowel and brain- sent for amniocentesis. Pregnancy ended by induction at 21 weeks. She has had another baby since termination.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 5-7 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 10 >> Explains how her baby's funeral helped relieve her feelings, and that she valued the care taken by the funeral directors.

Her 2nd pregnancy: 20-week scan indicated serious abnormalities. Amniocentesis and scans identified Patau's syndrome. Pregnancy was ended by induction (no feticide at her request) at 24 weeks. Since then she has had another baby.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 3-4 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 04 >> Choosing songs for the funeral helped her feel more in control and that she was doing something positive for her baby.

She had an early termination, 2 miscarriages and a normal pregnancy. Her 5th pregnancy was ended by induction at 21 weeks - baby had Down's syndrome detected by amniocentesis. Since then she has had another baby.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 1-2 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 12 >> She thinks that everything about her baby's funeral and cremation was beautifully done.

Her 1st pregnancy: 20-week scan indicated anomalies. Detailed scanning showed the baby had severe form of spina bifida. The pregnancy ended by induction at 20 weeks. She has polycystic ovarian syndrome and was taking folic acid before the pregnancy, she now takes a larger dose. One miscarriage since the termination.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 3-4 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 33 >> Feels pleased that the rabbi arranged to have his son's name and death called out in synagogue.

Father of 1 child. His wife (EAP 24) has heart condition and takes warfarin (heparin during pregnancy). 3rd pregnancy: 7-week scan confirmed pregnancy viable. 12 week scan no problems found. Nuchal scan at 13 weeks found baby had shortened femur, no tibia or fibular on right leg. Specialist scans confirmed diagnosis of 'lower limb deficiencies'. Pregnancy ended at 17 weeks by induction.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 3-4 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 30 >> She and her partner chose to hold a memorial service for the baby followed by a private cremation.

Her 2nd pregnancy: felt unwell and sick throughout pregnancy, some bleeding at 6 weeks. 11-week scan confirmed viability. 20-week scan detected heart abnormalities. Specialist scan identified tricuspid atresia and ventricular septal defect. Pregnancy ended by induction at 22 weeks. She has had another child since termination.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 5-7 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 26 >> Says that as terrible as it feels at the time the sadness does get better and you can cope with it.

She had 2 normal pregnancies, despite endometriosis, before 3rd pregnancy. 3rd pregnancy: 12-week scan detected problems with baby's heart and kidneys. Specialist scans - cardiac scan confirmed baby's heart undeveloped. CVS found no genetic cause. Pregnancy ended surgically at 14 weeks. She experienced gynaecological complications after termination.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 3-4 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 21 >> She's learned that you can recover from ending a pregnancy and put your experiences to good use.

She has had 2 children (1st and 3rd pregnancies), 3 miscarriages and ended 1 pregnancy. 4th pregnancy: had some bleeding, arranged first scan privately at 8 weeks. Felt unsure of viability of pregnancy, had 12 week scan, no anomalies found. Arranged nuchal scan and blood tests privately and several anomalies were detected. CVS identified Edwards' syndrome. Pregnancy ended surgically at 15 weeks. She has had 2 miscarriages since the termination.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 3-4 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 07 >> She cried everyday for weeks before realising after several months that she was starting to think about other things.

Her 3rd pregnancy: 20-week scan detected anomalies - baby's kidneys and stomach couldn't be seen. Specialist scan revealed baby had multiple abnormalities; parents agreed to amniocentesis which confirmed baby's problems were not inherited. Pregnancy ended at 22 weeks by induction. She has since had another baby.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 8+ years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 01 >> It has taken many years for her sadness and loss about the baby to shift from the front to the back of her mind.

Mother of 4 children. She became pregnant for 5th time in 1993. Amniocentesis detected the baby had Down's syndrome. The pregnancy was ended by induction at 19 weeks.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 5-7 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 15 >> Describes feeling in limbo afterwards and says that it had helped her to get away from home for a while.

Her 1st pregnancy: Triple test at 16 weeks indicated baby was at high risk of having Edwards' syndrome. Amniocentesis confirmed Edwards' syndrome. Pregnancy ended by induction at 19 weeks. She and her husband agreed to post mortem. She has since had another two babies.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 1-2 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 06 >> Still feels she hasn't come to terms with her guilt about the baby's death which happened two years' ago.

Their 2nd pregnancy: 20-week scan showed baby seemed small for his dates. Further specialist scans at 28 and 32 weeks showed baby's head was small. Mother also had amniocentesis and MRI scan. Baby diagnosed with microcephaly. Pregnancy ended at 34 weeks by feticide and induction.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 1-2 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 38 >> She can remember everything about her baby who died less than a year ago, and still thinks about him every day.

Mother of 1 child, married to her first cousin. 2nd pregnancy: 12-week scan normal. 20-week scan detected anomalies in the baby's brain. Specialist scan confirmed multiple abnormalities. Pregnancy ended at 20 weeks by induction. Post mortem indicated baby had proliferative vasculopathy with hydrocephaly (Fowler syndrome). Sent for genetic counselling, established she and her husband carriers of gene responsible for syndrome. She was pregnant at time of interview.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 5-7 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 08 >> She and her partner decided to get married on the first anniversary of the baby's death so that they wouldn't dread the date in future.

Her 2nd pregnancy: felt unwell throughout pregnancy, AFP test at 16 weeks indicated that baby might have Down's syndrome, later confirmed by amniocentesis. Pregnancy was ended by induction at 21 weeks. She felt insufficiently prepared or informed about baby's post mortem.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 5-7 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 22 >> For about 18 months after losing her baby she found herself feeling resentful of women who were pregnant and those who had healthy babies.

Her 1st pregnancy: some bleeding and sickness, scan at 7 weeks confirmed pregnancy. 12-week scan normal. Triple test at 19 weeks, found raised AFP levels. 20-week scan identified hole in baby's heart and shortened limbs. Specialist scan found 2 holes in heart and abnormalities in limbs, bowel and brain- sent for amniocentesis. Pregnancy ended by induction at 21 weeks. She has had another baby since termination.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 5-7 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 29 >> He felt great sympathy for his wife but didn't feel the loss as much as she did.

Their 2nd pregnancy: mother had gestational diabetes so had regular blood tests and scans throughout pregnancy. Amniocentesis at 16 weeks was clear. Scan at 30 weeks indicated neural tube defect. Detailed scans indentified alobar holoprosencephaly. Pregnancy was ended by feticide and induction at 31 weeks. Parents declined post mortem. They have had another baby since the termination.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 1-2 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 35 >> Describes how he and his wife felt extremely sad for some time after the termination and that his experiences have made him more emotional.

Father of 1 child. 2nd pregnancy: wife felt unwell throughout pregnancy. Nuchal scan at 12-weeks arranged privately, advised to have CVS - no problems detected. 20-week scan found baby had heart problems. Specialist cardiac scan confirmed baby had multiple problems in heart, stomach and spleen. Pregnancy ended by feticide and induction at 22 weeks. Post mortem confirmed multiple abnormalities. He is undecided about whether he wants another baby.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 1-2 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 06 >> He had plenty of time off work and his colleagues and boss were very supportive but eventually he went back to work and found it helped.

Their 2nd pregnancy: 20-week scan showed baby seemed small for his dates. Further specialist scans at 28 and 32 weeks showed baby's head was small. Mother also had amniocentesis and MRI scan. Baby diagnosed with microcephaly. Pregnancy ended at 34 weeks by feticide and induction.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 3-4 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 33 >> He knows he made the right decision at the time but now feels more regret about the loss of his baby.

Father of 1 child. His wife (EAP 24) has heart condition and takes warfarin (heparin during pregnancy). 3rd pregnancy: 7-week scan confirmed pregnancy viable. 12 week scan no problems found. Nuchal scan at 13 weeks found baby had shortened femur, no tibia or fibular on right leg. Specialist scans confirmed diagnosis of 'lower limb deficiencies'. Pregnancy ended at 17 weeks by induction.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 5-7 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 08 >> Says that her partner needed as much time off work as she did to recover from the loss of the baby.

Her 2nd pregnancy: felt unwell throughout pregnancy, AFP test at 16 weeks indicated that baby might have Down's syndrome, later confirmed by amniocentesis. Pregnancy was ended by induction at 21 weeks. She felt insufficiently prepared or informed about baby's post mortem.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 3-4 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 30 >> It helped her partner to be able to talk to a GP who had personal experience of ending a pregnancy.

Her 2nd pregnancy: felt unwell and sick throughout pregnancy, some bleeding at 6 weeks. 11-week scan confirmed viability. 20-week scan detected heart abnormalities. Specialist scan identified tricuspid atresia and ventricular septal defect. Pregnancy ended by induction at 22 weeks. She has had another child since termination.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 5-7 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 23 >> She felt angry with her partner at first because he seemed to be coping so well and then she realised that he was grieving in a different way.

She has 3 children (1st, 3rd and 4th pregnancies), and ended 1 pregnancy. 2nd pregnancy: everything seemed fine until 20-week scan which found heart defects. Specialist cardiac scan identified hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Pregnancy ended by induction at 21 weeks. Parents agreed to post mortem. Since then she has had two children.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 5-7 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 15 >> Her husband could see she was suffering and found it difficult not being able to do anything to help her.

Her 1st pregnancy: Triple test at 16 weeks indicated baby was at high risk of having Edwards' syndrome. Amniocentesis confirmed Edwards' syndrome. Pregnancy ended by induction at 19 weeks. She and her husband agreed to post mortem. She has since had another two babies.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 5-7 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 27 >> She became depressed for a while after the termination and so consulted her GP.

Her 2nd pregnancy: she felt unwell throughout pregnancy. 12-week scan confirmed pregnancy viable. Amniocentesis identified Down's syndrome. Pregnancy ended by induction at 19 weeks. She had another baby 2 years later.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 3-4 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 16 >> She realised she needed counselling after about 3 months when she was spending hours sitting by her son's grave.

Her 4th pregnancy: experienced sickness during first trimester and felt unwell. Blood test at 16 weeks detected Down's syndrome. Amniocentesis confirmed Down's. Pregnancy ended by induction at 19 weeks. Following the termination she had a stillbirth. (In 2005 she had another baby.)

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 3-4 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 21 >> She tried to be normal for the sake of her children but eventually saw her GP and was offered counselling.

She has had 2 children (1st and 3rd pregnancies), 3 miscarriages and ended 1 pregnancy. 4th pregnancy: had some bleeding, arranged first scan privately at 8 weeks. Felt unsure of viability of pregnancy, had 12 week scan, no anomalies found. Arranged nuchal scan and blood tests privately and several anomalies were detected. CVS identified Edwards' syndrome. Pregnancy ended surgically at 15 weeks. She has had 2 miscarriages since the termination.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 5-7 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 10 >> She found it difficult to admit she needed help and tried several complementary therapies, exercising and eating healthily.

Her 2nd pregnancy: 20-week scan indicated serious abnormalities. Amniocentesis and scans identified Patau's syndrome. Pregnancy was ended by induction (no feticide at her request) at 24 weeks. Since then she has had another baby.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 1-2 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 34 >> He didn't want to be given advice and was offered the chance to talk things through with someone at work.

His wife's 1st pregnancy: 12-week scan no problems detected. 20-week scan detected several anomalies. Specialist scan identified problems with brain development, later diagnosed as Dandy-Walker malfunction. Amniocentesis ruled out Edwards' syndrome. Specialist cardiac scan detected heart abnormalities. Pregnancy ended by feticide and induction at 22 weeks. Post mortem identified multiple abnormalities. He and his wife are hoping for another baby.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 5-7 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 36 >> She couldn't see anyone or go out much for several months so her GP advised her to take anti-depressants and she also had counselling.

Mother of 2 children (1st and 3rd pregnancies). 2nd pregnancy: 20-week scan detected anomalies. Sent for specialist scan, baby diagnosed with holoprosencephaly. Amniocentesis. Pregnancy ended by induction at 21 weeks. She experienced post-natal depression. Sent for genetic counselling. 4th pregnancy: 12-week scan anomalies detected - baby diagnosed with anencephaly. Pregnancy ended surgically at 13 weeks. She had gynaecological problems following termination. She was pregnant at time of interview.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 1-2 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 18 >> She and her partner found the support of friends and family and several visits from a chaplain they liked was enough for them.

Her 1st pregnancy (through IVF). 6-week scan at fertility clinic. Had nuchal scan done privately at 12 weeks. Baby found to have anencephaly. Pregnancy ended surgically at 12 weeks. She has had another baby since termination.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 8+ years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 01 >> She found the loss of her baby difficult to cope many months afterwards and said that going to a local support group meeting was a huge step forward.

Mother of 4 children. She became pregnant for 5th time in 1993. Amniocentesis detected the baby had Down's syndrome. The pregnancy was ended by induction at 19 weeks.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 3-4 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 07 >> At first she didn't want to talk about her baby or what happened to anyone else and felt that a support group meeting would only have upset her.

Her 3rd pregnancy: 20-week scan detected anomalies - baby's kidneys and stomach couldn't be seen. Specialist scan revealed baby had multiple abnormalities; parents agreed to amniocentesis which confirmed baby's problems were not inherited. Pregnancy ended at 22 weeks by induction. She has since had another baby.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 5-7 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 23 >> She used a US website to make contact with other women who had ended a pregnancy after a diagnosis of hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

She has 3 children (1st, 3rd and 4th pregnancies), and ended 1 pregnancy. 2nd pregnancy: everything seemed fine until 20-week scan which found heart defects. Specialist cardiac scan identified hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Pregnancy ended by induction at 21 weeks. Parents agreed to post mortem. Since then she has had two children.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 3-4 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 24 >> She found ARC (Antenatal Results and Choices) helped her at several stages particularly in the beginning as she was making the decision.

Mother of 1 child, she had a miscarriage in 1997. She has a heart condition and takes warfarin (heparin during pregnancy). 3rd pregnancy: 7-week scan confirmed pregnancy viable. 12 week scan no problems found. Nuchal scan at 13 weeks found baby had shortened femur, no tibia or fibular on right leg. Specialist scans confirmed lower limb deficiencies. Pregnancy ended at 17 weeks by induction.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 8+ years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 28 >> She felt she shouldn't grieve for the baby she had lost when she had another healthy baby alive and well and she found ARC (Antenatal Results and Choi

She has polycystic ovaries so took clomid. Experienced 3 miscarriages then conceived twins. 5th pregnancy: 11-week scan detected twins. Nuchal scan at 14 weeks indicated twins had Down's syndrome. 2 CVS tests done at specialist centre, Down's confirmed in one twin. Selective reducation of one twin by feticide at 15 weeks. Other twin continued to term.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 3-4 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 04 >> ARC (Antenatal Results and Choices) gave her people to talk to when her husband didn't want to talk and helped her keep the baby's memory alive.

She had an early termination, 2 miscarriages and a normal pregnancy. Her 5th pregnancy was ended by induction at 21 weeks - baby had Down's syndrome detected by amniocentesis. Since then she has had another baby.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 1-2 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 06 >> She used to be in contact with other women by email every day but no longer needs that amount of support anymore.

Their 2nd pregnancy: 20-week scan showed baby seemed small for his dates. Further specialist scans at 28 and 32 weeks showed baby's head was small. Mother also had amniocentesis and MRI scan. Baby diagnosed with microcephaly. Pregnancy ended at 34 weeks by feticide and induction.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 1-2 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 34 >> Feels that the support group was good for his wife but that men seem to find it much more difficult to communicate with each other about their emotion

His wife's 1st pregnancy: 12-week scan no problems detected. 20-week scan detected several anomalies. Specialist scan identified problems with brain development, later diagnosed as Dandy-Walker malfunction. Amniocentesis ruled out Edwards' syndrome. Specialist cardiac scan detected heart abnormalities. Pregnancy ended by feticide and induction at 22 weeks. Post mortem identified multiple abnormalities. He and his wife are hoping for another baby.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 5-7 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 23 >> She got pregnant again quite quickly but felt emotional all the way through because she was still grieving for her other baby and was worried about th

She has 3 children (1st, 3rd and 4th pregnancies), and ended 1 pregnancy. 2nd pregnancy: everything seemed fine until 20-week scan which found heart defects. Specialist cardiac scan identified hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Pregnancy ended by induction at 21 weeks. Parents agreed to post mortem. Since then she has had two children.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 3-4 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 21 >> [About her partner] 'He did try hard... he's very good at talking about things'.

She has had 2 children (1st and 3rd pregnancies), 3 miscarriages and ended 1 pregnancy. 4th pregnancy: had some bleeding, arranged first scan privately at 8 weeks. Felt unsure of viability of pregnancy, had 12 week scan, no anomalies found. Arranged nuchal scan and blood tests privately and several anomalies were detected. CVS identified Edwards' syndrome. Pregnancy ended surgically at 15 weeks. She has had 2 miscarriages since the termination.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 8+ years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 09 >> She felt she needed another baby to fill the void in her life left by the baby she had lost but her husband was unsure.

Her 2nd pregnancy: 20-week scan found baby had anomalies. Preliminary diagnosis after specialist cardiac scan was that baby had serious heart defects. Pregnancy ended by induction at 24 weeks. Post mortem revealed baby had hypoplastic left heart syndrome and an unbalanced chromosomal translocation (Robertsonian translocation of 13 and 14). Genetic counselling found that mother and her mother are carriers of a chromosomal disorder or translocation of the chromosomes. Since termination she has had another baby.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 5-7 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 36 >> She found herself getting depressed after her second baby was born at a time when she should have been feeling happy.

Mother of 2 children (1st and 3rd pregnancies). 2nd pregnancy: 20-week scan detected anomalies. Sent for specialist scan, baby diagnosed with holoprosencephaly. Amniocentesis. Pregnancy ended by induction at 21 weeks. She experienced post-natal depression. Sent for genetic counselling. 4th pregnancy: 12-week scan anomalies detected - baby diagnosed with anencephaly. Pregnancy ended surgically at 13 weeks. She had gynaecological problems following termination. She was pregnant at time of interview.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 1-2 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 11 >> Describes how difficult she found her second pregnancy and that her new baby often makes her think of her first baby.

Her 1st pregnancy: experienced hyperemesis during pregnancy. Triple test at 16 weeks showed high AFP reading. Sent for specialist scan which found baby had neural tube defect confirmed by amniocentesis. Pregnancy was ended by induction at 21 weeks. Post mortem indicated Arnold-Chiari malformation. Since termination she has had another baby.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 3-4 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 33 >> Feels that he and his wife supported each other through the termination and that he has accepted her anger and distress about the baby.

Father of 1 child. His wife (EAP 24) has heart condition and takes warfarin (heparin during pregnancy). 3rd pregnancy: 7-week scan confirmed pregnancy viable. 12 week scan no problems found. Nuchal scan at 13 weeks found baby had shortened femur, no tibia or fibular on right leg. Specialist scans confirmed diagnosis of 'lower limb deficiencies'. Pregnancy ended at 17 weeks by induction.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 5-7 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 36 >> [About her partner] 'With him I felt safe because... this was our loss together'.

Mother of 2 children (1st and 3rd pregnancies). 2nd pregnancy: 20-week scan detected anomalies. Sent for specialist scan, baby diagnosed with holoprosencephaly. Amniocentesis. Pregnancy ended by induction at 21 weeks. She experienced post-natal depression. Sent for genetic counselling. 4th pregnancy: 12-week scan anomalies detected - baby diagnosed with anencephaly. Pregnancy ended surgically at 13 weeks. She had gynaecological problems following termination. She was pregnant at time of interview.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 1-2 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 02 >> Explains that her hospital offered bereavement counselling routinely and says that she appreciated having appointments on her own.

Her 1st pregnancy. Spina bifida detected by AFP test and scan at 16 weeks. She and partner decided to seek second opinion privately which confirmed diagnosis of spina bifida. Pregnancy ended by induction at 17 weeks, followed by post mortem. Mother has epilepsy and took extra folic acid during pregnancy. Since interview she has had another baby.

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> 5-7 years since pregnancy ended >> Interview 22 >> Everyone thought she was alright but she decided to have bereavement counselling for 10 weeks which helped.

Her 1st pregnancy: some bleeding and sickness, scan at 7 weeks confirmed pregnancy. 12-week scan normal. Triple test at 19 weeks, found raised AFP levels. 20-week scan identified hole in baby's heart and shortened limbs. Specialist scan found 2 holes in heart and abnormalities in limbs, bowel and brain- sent for amniocentesis. Pregnancy ended by induction at 21 weeks. She has had another baby since termination.

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• >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> Coping with bereavement - women's experiences >> Coping with bereavement - women's experiences

Coping with bereavement - women's experiences

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> Coping with bereavement - women's experiences >> Coping with bereavement - women's experiences

Coping with bereavement - women's experiences

• >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> Coping with bereavement - men's experiences >> Coping with bereavement - men's experiences

Coping with bereavement - men's experiences

• Pregnancy & children >> Ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality >> Coping with bereavement - men's experiences >> Coping with bereavement - men's experiences

Coping with bereavement - men's experiences