If you choose to terminate the pregnancy, the right health professionals will ensure this happens with sensitivity and care.

The staff will support you through this period, until you can get support services in the broader community, if that’s what you need and want. prepare you for what might happen during labour, birth and after birth – for example, whether your baby is expected to survive after birth and whether your baby might need specialised care.help you decide where you might give birth – instead of your local maternity hospital, it might need to be at a large maternity hospital with special facilities.plan your care for the rest of pregnancy, including care for your emotional and mental health.Large maternity hospitals often have special clinics with health professionals who are trained to: If you decide to continue the pregnancy, you might be able to continue with routine care from your doctor or midwife, or you might need to go to a special clinic. Terminate the pregnancy – this depends on the stage of your pregnancy and the laws in your state or territory.You have 2 options after an antenatal diagnosis of a chromosomal anomaly or disability: Options after an antenatal diagnosis of a chromosomal anomaly or disability You could contact a support group for your child’s condition or speak to families raising children with the same condition to hear about what life might be like. It’s not possible to know exactly how your baby will grow and develop after birth. Health professionals might not be able to answer all your questions in as much detail as you feel you need. Are there support groups for parents of children with this anomaly or condition?.When my child grows up, will they be able to live independently?.Will my child be able to go to mainstream school?.What does it take to raise a child with this anomaly or condition?.Do children with this anomaly or condition need support services or other help? What’s available?.Questions about support and services for children with disability How sure can you be about the problems my baby will have?.Will my baby be able to come home with me from hospital after the birth?.Will my child have learning difficulties or intellectual disability?.What will my child’s health problems be?.Will my child be able to walk and/or talk?.What physical problems might my child have?.Questions about how the chromosomal anomaly or condition might affect your child What’s the chance I’ll have another child with the same anomaly or condition?.Is the condition life-limiting for my baby during pregnancy or after birth? If so, how long do children with this anomaly or condition usually live?.Would we know more if we waited a few more weeks or did any other tests?.Why does my baby have this anomaly or condition?.What anomaly or condition does my baby have?.Questions about your baby’s chromosomal anomaly or condition Getting answers to the following questions can help you make an informed decision about what you want to do for the rest of the pregnancy and after birth. Or you might go to a hospital that has a team of doctors and midwives who specialise in supporting parents after an antenatal diagnosis of chromosomal anomalies or conditions. For example, you might speak to a paediatrician about your baby’s condition or disability. You can talk to your doctor, midwife or genetic counsellor, who might refer you to specialised health professionals. Finding out more about the chromosomal anomaly or disabilityįinding out more about your unborn baby’s condition or disability can help you with planning and decision-making for the rest of the pregnancy. It can also help you decide what to do next. Seeing a genetic counsellor or talking to your doctor or midwife can help you work through your feelings. Everyone has their own way of reacting to the news. You might also worry that you’ve done something to cause your baby’s condition or feel jealous of others with a healthy pregnancy and baby.Īnd your feelings might depend on your baby’s anomaly or condition and how severe the disability is likely to be. You might feel isolated and disconnected from family and friends. You might feel shock, anger, sadness, guilt, anxiety, stress or shame. It’s natural to feel a range of emotions when you get an antenatal diagnosis of disability. If you find out your unborn baby has a chromosomal anomaly or other condition that will cause disability, it can be a very difficult time, especially if you’re not prepared for the news. When your unborn baby is diagnosed with a chromosomal anomaly or disability: your feelings

Fetal anomaly