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• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN18 >> When they were told in their first pregnancy that the baby had severe spina bifida, they felt ending the pregnancy was the best option, because they d

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 >> Continuing with an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN15 >> If she had discovered her daughter's condition earlier in pregnancy, she would at least have had more time to prepare.

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 AN15 >> She felt screening was not effective in her case. She would have screening again another time but would want more scans.

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 AN15 >> She wanted to keep the baby, although she was advised to have a termination. She felt at 8 months it was simply too late.

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 AN15 >> The hospital recommended a natural delivery, but she felt a caesarean would be better for the baby.

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 >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN16 >> She never thought she would consider termination, but discovering anencephaly meant the baby could not feel anything changed her mind.

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 >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN16 >> 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 >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN17 >> She felt too much information about the process of termination might have deterred her from having one. She wanted information and guidance in stages.

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 >> Continuing with an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN29 >> The information from screening and diagnosis helped them in deciding to continue with the pregnancy. They were offered the option of ending the pregna

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 AN29 >> Her son's heart condition turned out to be more serious than expected but she still felt screening was valuable.

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 AN29 >> In her next pregnancy she had screening again. She would not want to see another baby suffer like her son.

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 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 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 >> Continuing with an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN30 >> 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 >> 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 >> 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 >> 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 >> Antenatal Screening >> Continuing with an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN04 >> Before deciding to continue with the pregnancy, she made herself think through all her options, none of which seemed bearable.

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 >> Continuing with an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN04 >> The rest of pregnancy was focused on the baby's survival. She felt she could not take part in normal pregnancy experiences, including antenatal classe

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 >> Continuing with an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN04 >> Finding out before birth that her son had a serious heart condition probably saved his life.

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 >> Continuing with an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN06 >> They felt lucky their son's heart condition was detected early, and would make the same screening decisions again.

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 >> Continuing with an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN06 >> The hope that their son's heart defect could be treated kept them going.

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 >> Continuing with an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN07 >> 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 AN07 >> Joining local NCT antenatal classes was generally a positive experience, although occasionally the information did not apply to her.

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 AN07 >> After a difficult labour, during which the baby's heart stopped, staff eventually agreed to do a caesarean.

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 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 AN38 >> Local healthcare staff offered them support at home, including massage and relaxation. Pregnancy was precious time with their unborn son.

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 AN38 >> The mother continued to attend a mums and toddlers group, even though it was hard seeing other people with healthy babies.

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 AN38 >> It was a relief to decide to continue with the pregnancy, but also a time of grief.

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 AN38 >> Finding out their son had Patau's syndrome meant they could ensure he was treated with dignity when he was born.

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 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 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 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 >> Continuing with an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN43 >> They had made it clear they wanted to continue the pregnancy, and were offended that termination was offered as an option.

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 >> 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 AN45 >> 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 >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN39 >> They were worried about what life would be like for a child with a severe heart condition, and how it would affect family life with their older daught

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).