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• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN22 >> She feels society is too concerned with perfection. There needs to be more debate about support for people with disabilities.

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

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN19 >> A friend who had a child with Down's syndrome worried about what would happen to the child when she died.

Normal first pregnancy, routine screening experiences, including combined nuchal scan and blood test.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN25 >> She would want to be prepared for having a baby with Down's syndrome, having seen a friend's experiences.

Two normal pregnancies. Nuchal scan not available locally, so had blood screening. Unable to have 20-week scan in first pregnancy because of staff shortages.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN13 >> The written information was better in her current pregnancy than her first and the midwife discussed it carefully with her.

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 AN23 >> Written information from her midwife was helpful, but she still had unanswered questions.

After initial contact with NHS, decided to have antenatal care in France, including 3 scans with normal results. Baby born 2 months early in England.

• Pregnancy & children >> 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 AN11 >> She felt professionals she met in the UK gave more time to explain and listen than some staff she met in the US.

Normal first pregnancy; screening carried out in US, before return to UK when 6 months pregnant. Declined amniocentesis (offered as standard). Compares US and UK.

• Pregnancy & children >> 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 AN27 >> For first-time mothers it is difficult to know what questions to ask and what information you need.

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 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 >> 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 >> Continuing with an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN29 >> In an early heart scan in her current pregnancy the sonographer was friendly and welcoming, and made her husband feel involved.

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 >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN16 >> Communication became difficult and hostile during the 12-week scan in her second pregnancy. They discovered the baby had died.

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 AN40 >> The termination was more painful than she expected and it was frightening not knowing what to expect.

Down's syndrome detected by amniocentesis in first pregnancy. Couple decided to end the pregnancy. Baby son born since.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN27 >> The 20-week scan was a lovely experience. She had an internal scan because of the baby's position, but did not mind.

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

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Continuing with an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN04 >> She went for a routine repeat anomaly scan at 24-5 weeks in her second pregnancy, not expecting anything unusual would be found. She was alone with he

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 AN32 >> They felt very well looked after at the specialist hospital they were referred to, and her partner felt more involved.

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 >> 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 >> Continuing with an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN06 >> The doctor performing the CVS (Chorionic Villus Sampling) put them at their ease, and his care was a good example for students present.

Third pregnancy, after two miscarriages. Nuchal scan suggested problems; CVS ruled out Down's syndrome but heart problems identified by further scan. Baby born March 2003, successful surgery completed.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview 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 >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN27 >> She did not feel she had much choice about screening and would have liked more information and explanation.

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

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN16 >> At first she did not understand what anencephaly meant and spent the night searching books for information.

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 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 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 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 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 >> Continuing with an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN38 >> When the baby died shortly after birth, the family spent time together before taking him home. They kept many mementoes.

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 >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN02 >> It was hard to start discussing whether to end the pregnancy. Their doctor did not appreciate how difficult it was.

1997 - nuchal scan and CVS confirmed Down's syndrome - decided to end the pregnancy. Has since had a healthy baby and is now pregnant again. Had CVS again.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN18 >> She found out about Antenatal Results and Choices support group after she came out of hospital. She would have liked to have their booklet earlier.

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 AN36 >> Having sympathetic care during the termination was important, including a midwife who cried with her and held her hand.

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 AN39 >> She wondered if staff might be critical of her decision to end the pregnancy, but found them caring and supportive.

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 >> She had a surgical termination at just over 14 weeks. She felt no-one treated her sympathetically or recognised her distress on the day it happened.

1997 - nuchal scan and CVS confirmed Down's syndrome - decided to end the pregnancy. Has since had a healthy baby and is now pregnant again. Had CVS again.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN40 >> It was hard taking the mifepristone tablets to prepare for the termination. She kept wondering if the diagnosis was wrong.

Down's syndrome detected by amniocentesis in first pregnancy. Couple decided to end the pregnancy. Baby son born since.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN35 >> They would have preferred the baby to die before the termination, and at first misunderstood the effect of the mifepristone tablets. Waiting between t

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 AN16 >> They felt relieved after taking the mifepristone tablets, and began to feel ending the pregnancy would be a positive experience.

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 AN36 >> Having an injection to ensure the baby died before the induction at 23 weeks was not as bad as anticipated, but still distressing.

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 AN32 >> The nurses and one of the doctors were very supportive during the termination, but other staff were sometimes less sympathetic.

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 AN31 >> The hospital had a special room for people experiencing a termination. The midwives were very supportive to both parents.

Problems detected in first pregnancy at nuchal scan - confirmed as Down's syndrome by CVS. Couple decided to end the pregnancy. Subsequent normal pregnancy and birth.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN18 >> When they arrived for the termination no-one knew they were coming. They had a long wait to see the consultant.

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 AN36 >> Counselling after the termination helped her and her husband understand their different ways of grieving.

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 AN35 >> There is much stigma and social disapproval around termination. They want people to understand what a hard decision it was.

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 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 >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN31 >> She felt the consultant was unsympathetic and wanted her to decide quickly whether to end the pregnancy. He said she could have more children.

Problems detected in first pregnancy at nuchal scan - confirmed as Down's syndrome by CVS. Couple decided to end the pregnancy. Subsequent normal pregnancy and birth.

• Pregnancy & children >> 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 >> Baby's condition detected after birth >> Interview AN10 >> If she had known how bad her daughter's brain damage was expected to be, she might have considered termination, in fact she has made good progress. Sh

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 AN10 >> It helped her to know she was not the only parent to have negative feelings. It was difficult to share these feelings with close family.

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 >> 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 >> Baby's condition detected after birth >> Interview AN03 >> It helped to meet other parents of children with heart problems in hospital. Their shared experience brought them together.

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 telephoned about their daughter's heart operation when they were going out for the evening. Parents need time to relax and enjoy themselves.

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 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).

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Continuing with an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN30 >> They are optimistic about their son's future because social attitudes towards Down's syndrome are continuing to improve.

Down's syndrome suspected at nuchal scan. Couple declined amniocentesis and continued with the pregnancy. Further scans suggested heart problems (operated on successfully since baby's birth).

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Baby's condition detected after birth >> Interview AN12 >> Having a child with Down's syndrome has been an enriching experience and has changed their view of what is important in life.

Second child born with Down's syndrome after low risk nuchal scan results, and no problems detected at 20-week scan. Home birth. Daughter now aged two.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Baby's condition detected after birth >> Interview AN12 >> Discovering her daughter had Down's syndrome meant she had to change career plans. Caring for her is hard work, but some of the problems are created b

Second child born with Down's syndrome after low risk nuchal scan results, and no problems detected at 20-week scan. Home birth. Daughter now aged two.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Continuing with an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN04 >> Meeting the oldest surviving child with hypoplastic left heart helped her imagine a future for her son. She felt she had been unprepared for how tough

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 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 >> Baby's condition detected after birth >> Interview AN03 >> It helped to meet other parents of children with heart problems in hospital. Their shared experience brought them together.

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 AN41 >> They were given useful information about the condition and about termination, but it was difficult to have to read about termination.

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 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 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 >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN36 >> She still feels screening is valuable, but thinks that the way it is presented to women is too reassuring

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 found out about Antenatal Results and Choices support group after she came out of hospital. She would have liked to have their booklet earlier.

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 AN16 >> The consultant was shocked to discover they had not understood their baby's condition and had to find information themselves.

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 >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN13 >> The fear of losing another baby after two miscarriages affected their discussion of their nuchal scan results.

Healthy pregnancy after 2 miscarriages; following nuchal scan results they considered amniocentesis and decided against. Baby born healthy, although mother had obstetric cholestasis in late pregnancy.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN16 >> At first she did not understand what anencephaly meant and spent the night searching books for information.

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 >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN13 >> Ringing the Antenatal Results and Choices support group helped her think through her nuchal scan results and decide not to have further tests.

Healthy pregnancy after 2 miscarriages; following nuchal scan results they considered amniocentesis and decided against. Baby born healthy, although mother had obstetric cholestasis in late pregnancy.