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• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN01 >> Having a friend who had recently had problems in pregnancy made her worried about screening.

Normal first pregnancy, routine screening experiences. Had to spend time in hospital late in pregnancy for investigation of bleeding.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN24 >> 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 >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN08 >> Books can be helpful, especially in a first pregnancy, but they can also make you anxious.

Normal first pregnancy, routine screening experiences. Private care throughout pregnancy.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN28 >> She was anxious about her mother's feelings about genetic testing because of a family history of learning disabilities.

Healthy pregnancy after an early miscarriage. Interviewee has a brother with severe learning disabilities and describes having genetic screening and counselling in early pregnancy.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN20 >> She found out at a scan that her first pregnancy was a blighted ovum (the baby had not survived).

Scan in first pregnancy detected blighted ovum. Three healthy pregnancies since . Now 8 months into fifth pregnancy. 20-week scan detected possible abnormalities; subsequent scans have been reassuring.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN20 >> Her experience of finding her first pregnancy had not survived made her nervous about screening in other pregnancies.

Scan in first pregnancy detected blighted ovum. Three healthy pregnancies since . Now 8 months into fifth pregnancy. 20-week scan detected possible abnormalities; subsequent scans have been reassuring.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN37 >> 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 >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN37 >> 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 >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN26 >> Seeing her baby during the nuchal scan was wonderful but it was alarming that staff talked to each other, not to her.

Routine screening experiences, including nuchal scan.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN33 >> 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 >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN33 >> Screening cannot give you definite information and having further tests would mean more anxiety.

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 >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN05 >> She thought about not having screening, but her husband was in favour of having every test available, for reassurance.

4 months pregnant. Normal screening results. One scan in early pregnancy, no other scans planned. Alphafetoprotein results not yet received.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN08 >> 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 >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN14 >> 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 >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN05 >> She did not want to worry about something being wrong unless it actually happened.

4 months pregnant. Normal screening results. One scan in early pregnancy, no other scans planned. Alphafetoprotein results not yet received.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN26 >> In her second pregnancy, she was anxious that the sonographer doing the nuchal scan seemed rushed. She needed more reassurance.

Routine screening experiences, including nuchal scan.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN27 >> She talked about the impact of sickle cell disease on her friend's family and how it would affect her own thinking.

Healthy pregnancy, routine screening. Some blood test results came back abnormal. Levels of information and choice have been a concern.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN01 >> She found one helpful book with factual information. Talking to friends can make you more anxious.

Normal first pregnancy, routine screening experiences. Had to spend time in hospital late in pregnancy for investigation of bleeding.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN14 >> In two repeat nuchal scans, she felt the consultant was much more communicative than the first person who scanned her.

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 >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN02 >> She grew anxious when the sonographer became silent during the nuchal scan, and was upset that the sonographer could not discuss the results.

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 >> Antenatal Screening >> Continuing with an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN30 >> They were asked to have a second scan but did not feel anxious about this at the time.

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 would have liked her husband to be allowed in with her throughout the nuchal scan in her first pregnancy. They gradually realised something was wr

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 >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN02 >> It was unpleasant waiting for hours for a repeat nuchal scan and being aware other people waiting were anxious too.

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 >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN26 >> It would be sensible for sonographers at the 20-week scan to check the woman is properly informed and explain how they will communicate.

Routine screening experiences, including nuchal scan.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Baby's condition detected after birth >> Interview AN12 >> 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 >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN17 >> She thought her baby's hydrocephalus may have been suspected at the nuchal scan in her first pregnancy but she was not told.

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 >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN25 >> The 12-week scan was a wonderful experience for them, but the staff seemed to treat it as very routine.

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 >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN20 >> Finding at her first 12-week scan that the baby had died was a terrible shock. Her husband was not present, because they had not expected anything to

Scan in first pregnancy detected blighted ovum. Three healthy pregnancies since . Now 8 months into fifth pregnancy. 20-week scan detected possible abnormalities; subsequent scans have been reassuring.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN13 >> She knew at once something was wrong at her first 12-week scan, when it was discovered the baby had died. It would have helped to know more about misc

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 >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN32 >> 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 >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN16 >> Her views about screening have changed. She has heard that the baby's anencephaly in her first pregnancy could have been detected earlier, at 12 weeks

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 >> Antenatal Screening >> Continuing with an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN29 >> Her history of miscarriage means scans are essential but always worrying. Giving bad news must be hard for staff.

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 >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN13 >> The information about what the 20-week scan was looking for was very thorough.

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 >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN28 >> They had an anxious moment at the 20-week scan when the sonographer paused briefly. They felt he communicated honestly.

Healthy pregnancy after an early miscarriage. Interviewee has a brother with severe learning disabilities and describes having genetic screening and counselling in early pregnancy.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN13 >> When staff spotted something unusual during the 20-week scan, she was very anxious and would have liked more immediate explanation.

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 >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN22 >> It must be difficult for the person doing the scan to check something they are unsure about if the woman is watching the screen throughout.

Declined all screening except 20-week anomaly scan in two most recent pregnancies.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN26 >> Staff seemed uncommunicative on the day of her 20-week scan, and she felt anxious something might have been missed.

Routine screening experiences, including nuchal scan.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Continuing with an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN04 >> She felt anxious when staff talked to each other and not to her, when they spotted the baby's heart problems at her anomaly scan.

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 >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN18 >> The lack of communication in the 20-week scan in her first pregnancy and having to have a repeat scan made her anxious.

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 >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN39 >> Staff have to concentrate while doing scans, but some initial reassurance and a friendlier manner might help.

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 >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN02 >> It is understandable that staff have to concentrate during scans, but it makes you anxious when they go quiet.

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 >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN35 >> At the 20-week scan in her current pregnancy, the sonographer explained she would be silent, but the mother still felt anxious, especially after the e

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 >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN22 >> An increased risk can be difficult to interpret, without knowing about the original baseline risk.

Declined all screening except 20-week anomaly scan in two most recent pregnancies.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN17 >> She was worried in the waiting room between scans, and would rather have been told immediately that they suspected hydrocephalus.

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 >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN20 >> She had to wait for a repeat 20-week scan in her current pregnancy when problems with the baby's digestive system were suspected, and she found the wa

Scan in first pregnancy detected blighted ovum. Three healthy pregnancies since . Now 8 months into fifth pregnancy. 20-week scan detected possible abnormalities; subsequent scans have been reassuring.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN36 >> At the 20-week scan, the sonographer seemed bored. When he started to find problems she found it hard to grasp.

Nuchal scan in first pregnancy gave low risk result, but anomaly scan at 21 weeks detected abnormalities, confirmed as Edwards' syndrome by amniocentesis. Couple decided to end the pregnancy.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN36 >> Insensitive communication in her 20-week scan made her panic. She could not believe her baby had so many problems.

Nuchal scan in first pregnancy gave low risk result, but anomaly scan at 21 weeks detected abnormalities, confirmed as Edwards' syndrome by amniocentesis. Couple decided to end the pregnancy.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN18 >> She relied only on scans in her next pregnancy, and felt the triple test might make her anxious unnecessarily.

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 >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN01 >> 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 >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN13 >> 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 >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN20 >> She was impressed with the medical care in her current pregnancy, but felt overwhelmed with information. She would have preferred more reassurance tha

Scan in first pregnancy detected blighted ovum. Three healthy pregnancies since . Now 8 months into fifth pregnancy. 20-week scan detected possible abnormalities; subsequent scans have been reassuring.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN02 >> 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 >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN35 >> 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 >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN34 >> Having missed the deadline for a combined nuchal scan and blood test she was offered CVS (Chorionic Villus Sampling) but refused.

Routine screening experiences. Healthy baby born 2002.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Continuing with an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN07 >> She expected CVS (Chorionic Villus Sampling) to hurt, but found it more like mild period pain. It was over very quickly.

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 >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN24 >> Amniocentesis did not hurt much but the sensation made her jump at one point.

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 >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN02 >> She found the CVS (Chorionic Villus Sampling) quick but very painful, and her husband found it very difficult to watch.

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 >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN31 >> CVS (Chorionic Villus Sampling) was very painful, but it helped that the professor doing it was kind and comforting.

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 >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN35 >> CVS (Chorionic Villus Sampling) was much more painful than they expected, but it was worth it to have a definite diagnosis.

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 >> Antenatal Screening >> Continuing with an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN07 >> She quickly realised in the heart scan that something was wrong with the baby's heart, and the silence was unnerving.

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 AN38 >> It was better that the doctor explained the baby's many problems at the end of the scan rather than during it.

Problems detected at 20-week scan. Amniocentesis confirmed Patau's syndrome. Couple decided to proceed with pregnancy. Baby born at 35 weeks and died after 3 minutes.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Continuing with an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN07 >> She rang to check the CVS (Chorionic Villus Sampling) results, and the receptionist was rude. Next day they were told it was negative for chromosomal

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 AN15 >> At a scan at 8 months she learned that her baby's brain was partially formed and the prognosis was poor, but the baby has since made better progress t

Following two miscarriages, during next pregnancy had frequent scans. A scan at 8 months unexpectedly found hydrocephalus and brain problems. Termination offered but rejected.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Continuing with an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN29 >> She was terrified for her son when she had a premature emergency caesarean and he had to be resuscitated.

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 >> Antenatal Screening >> Continuing with an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN42 >> Discovering her baby had a heart condition made the pregnancy traumatic. She would rather not have known during pregnancy.

Their daughter was diagnosed with Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome, Tricuspid Valve, Coarctation of the Aorta, Transposition of the Great Arteries. Treatment: A banding operation at 22 hrs old, repeated at 1 week old. A cardiac catheter at 10 months and a CP shunt at 1 yr. Further palliative operations planned. Current Medication: Phenoxybenzamine Hydrochloride. More of this interview can be seen on the DIPEX Congenital Heart Disease site as interview CHD06.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Continuing with an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN41 >> Although it was horrible at the time, having her son's heart condition diagnosed before birth probably saved his life.

Their son was diagnosed with Tricuspid Atresia, a large VSD, ASD, small right ventricle & small pulmonary artery. Treatment: Modified BT Shunt & Atrial Septostomy at 24 hrs old. Cardiac catheters & further operations planned when their child is older. Current Medication: diuretics, aspirin, sytron, anti-reflux and lactulose. More of this interview can be seen on the DIPEX Congenital Heart Disease site as interview CHD03.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Continuing with an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN44 >> If her daughter's heart condition had not been found through antenatal screening, it might not have been detected until adulthood.

Their daughter was diagnosed with ostium primum Atrial Septal Defect (ASD). Treatment: Surgery at 18 months old to close the hole with a dacron patch. Stitches in the mitral valve. No further surgery planned. Current medication: none. More of this interview can be seen on the DIPEX Congenital Heart Disease site as interview CHD12.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Continuing with an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN43 >> She was glad they discovered their son's heart condition late in pregnancy, so they had less time to worry.

Their son was diagnosed with Hypoplastic Left Ventricle, VSD, Mitral Atresia, Pulmonary Atresia, Right Atrial Isomerism, aorta arising from the right ventricle, TAPVD and Bilateral Superior Vena Cava and no spleen. Treatment: modified BT shunt (6 days old) open heart surgery (3 months and 6 months), 1st stage Fontan (10 months). Further surgery planned. Current medication: Warfarin, Enanapril, Frusemide, Penicillin. More of this interview can be seen on the DIPEX Congenital Heart Disease site as interview CHD07.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN18 >> She did not receive the hospital leaflet explaining that she would have some bleeding and her milk would come in.

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 >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN18 >> She would definitely want screening again, but will always feel anxious in subsequent pregnancies that something could go wrong.

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 >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN32 >> The consultant doing the 12-week scan in her current pregnancy recognised her anxiety and reassured her as quickly as possible.

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 >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN35 >> At the 20-week scan in their current pregnancy, they were given the folder with results from the previous pregnancy by mistake.

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 >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN31 >> 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 >> Antenatal Screening >> Baby's condition detected after birth >> Interview AN10 >> She knew something was wrong as soon as she saw the baby after birth. The baby went straight to special care.

Baby born in April 2002 with hydrocephalus which had not been picked up during screening. Baby has had surgery and is making good progress.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Baby's condition detected after birth >> Interview AN03 >> The mother thought something was wrong with her baby after birth, but everyone reassured her till the baby developed pneumonia when she was several we

Daughter born November 2000 with congenital heart problems not detected by antenatal screening, diagnosed when the baby was 10 weeks old. Corrective surgery at 11 months and 2 years.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Baby's condition detected after birth >> Interview AN03 >> It was terrifying to be referred to a specialist hospital as an emergency, but also a relief to have a clear diagnosis of their baby's heart problems.

Daughter born November 2000 with congenital heart problems not detected by antenatal screening, diagnosed when the baby was 10 weeks old. Corrective surgery at 11 months and 2 years.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Baby's condition detected after birth >> Interview AN03 >> They were readmitted to hospital two weeks later and felt helpless watching their baby struggle for life. (She has since been operated on successfully

Daughter born November 2000 with congenital heart problems not detected by antenatal screening, diagnosed when the baby was 10 weeks old. Corrective surgery at 11 months and 2 years.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Baby's condition detected after birth >> Interview AN03 >> They would like to have their scan pictures reviewed by a specialist to know whether their daughter's heart condition could have been detected before

Daughter born November 2000 with congenital heart problems not detected by antenatal screening, diagnosed when the baby was 10 weeks old. Corrective surgery at 11 months and 2 years.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Baby's condition detected after birth >> Interview AN03 >> They were glad they did not know the diagnosis before birth, as it would have made them worry throughout pregnancy and perhaps created pressure to hav

Daughter born November 2000 with congenital heart problems not detected by antenatal screening, diagnosed when the baby was 10 weeks old. Corrective surgery at 11 months and 2 years.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Continuing with an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN46 >> She was glad she did not know about her daughter's heart problem before birth, but in her second pregnancy she did want to know if there was a problem

Their daughter was diagnosed with pulmonary atresia, VSD & an overiding aorta. Treatment: closed heart surgery (shunt) at 11 days old, closed heart surgery (shunt) at 11 months old. Corrective open heart surgery at 2½ yrs old. Current medication: none. More of this interview can be seen on the DIPEX Congenital Heart Disease site as interview CHD30.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Continuing with an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN07 >> It was very traumatic to hand over their son for heart surgery, but now his heart problem is corrected he can have a normal life.

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 AN15 >> Having her daughter has made her less selfish, but looking after her is very tiring. Uncertainty about her future has greatly strained relationships w

Following two miscarriages, during next pregnancy had frequent scans. A scan at 8 months unexpectedly found hydrocephalus and brain problems. Termination offered but rejected.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Continuing with an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN30 >> 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).