Personal stories about considering amniocentesis

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Personal stories about considering amniocentesis

These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.

Darla, age 35: I have a friend whose child was born with Down syndrome. She did not know about her baby's Down syndrome until after he was born, and it was emotionally difficult for her to deal with the diagnosis. I remember how hard it was for her and her family to adjust to a new life with a special-needs child. I want to know before giving birth if I am going to have a child with a disability. This will give me time to prepare emotionally as well as time to prepare to have my baby at a hospital that is equipped to care for sick babies.

Sarah, age 39: I am prepared to accept my child, regardless of whether he or she has a birth defect, even a severe birth defect. Even though I am at a higher risk of having a child with a birth defect because of my age, I will continue the pregnancy regardless of the results of an amniocentesis. My doctor and hospital are well equipped to handle my pregnancy and delivery, so I feel that I have made the best decision for my family and me.

Ana, age 42: I have no family history of birth defects. However, I am 42 years old, which puts me at higher risk of having a baby with a birth defect. I have two children already, and I feel that my time, energy, and financial resources are at a premium. I cannot afford, financially or emotionally, to have a child with a serious birth defect. I am choosing to have an amniocentesis to help detect a birth defect. If the results are abnormal, I feel it is in my best interest (and my family's) to end this pregnancy.

Liza, age 45: I was 35 when I became pregnant with my first child. I was nervous about pregnancy anyway and especially worried that there might be something wrong with the baby. I decided to have chorionic villus sampling instead of waiting for an amniocentesis because it allowed me to find out in the first trimester if the baby had genetic problems. If the answer had been yes, I would have terminated the pregnancy. In my case, the answer was negative, and I was able to go through the rest of my pregnancy feeling more at ease.

Credits

Last updated:	November 30, 2006
Author:	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Reviewed By:	Renée M. Crichlow, MD - Family Medicine, Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman