If tests show your baby has a serious abnormality, find out as much as you can from your doctor about the particular condition and how it might affect your baby. Some couples wish to continue the pregnancy and be prepared for the needs of their newborn baby, others decide to terminate the pregnancy (have an abortion).
You will probably be very shocked when you are first told the diagnosis and may find it hard to take in. You may need to go back and talk to the doctor with your partner or someone close to you. Spend time thinking things through. You may find it helpful to contact the charity Antenatal Results and Choices (ARC).
What happens
A termination in the first three months (up until you are 12 weeks pregnant) can be done under a general anaesthetic. Later in pregnancy, a termination usually involves going through labour.
Your midwife or doctor will discuss with you how you'd like the labour to be managed, and how you'd like your baby to be delivered. You may wish to think beforehand about whether you want to see and perhaps hold your baby, and whether you want to give your baby a name. If you don't want to see the baby, you could ask hospital staff to take a photograph for you in case you change your mind in the future. The photograph can be kept in your notes.
Afterwards
You may find it hard to cope after a termination. It can help to talk but sometimes family and friends find it difficult to understand what you're going through. If you'd like to make contact with people who have had a similar experience, Antenatal Results and Choices can help.
Healthtalkonline has video interviews with women talking about their decision to end their pregnancy due to foetal abnormality.
