I have just had a CVS test which confirmed that I am having a baby with Down's Syndrome. I'm devestated. Although I'd always thought I would terminate a pregnancy if I found out there was a problem it isn't so easy now that I've seen the ultrasound and seen my baby moving and developing. There is no way of telling the severity of the condition and I don't know what to think about how it will affect the baby as it grows up and how it will affect my husband and I.
2007-03-30 08:30:29 · 40 answers · asked by Sarah 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
I wouldn't abort, I'm not even getting the test done. I'm only 23 though and not overly concerndm, but my boyfriend and I decided that we would keep it for sure. It could be worse I guess. Are you older that 35?
2007-03-30 08:34:37 · answer #1 · answered by Candice D 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Please keep in mind jsut because your test came back positive does not mean you will have a child with a chromosomal abnormality. Your Dr will discuss future testing which will probably include amniocentesis. Im not sure how far along you are but it seems to me if you are more than about 18 weeks they also should be able to see telltale signs of down's on your ultrasound. The decision to keep your baby is yours and yours alone (or your and your partners if you have one although you dont mention that). Take all the info you can and make a decision that you can live with for the rest of your life whatever it may be.
I wish you the best and hope all works out well!
2007-03-30 16:38:01 · answer #2 · answered by Liz A 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There's nothing wrong with having a Down's syndrome baby.
This is a big decision on you and your husband can make. Don't worry about what everyone else says. People may call u selfish, but is it really selfish for you to want the best for your baby?
Hard decision. I always said that I would terminate..my first baby was fine. And I'm pregnant with number 2. I wouldn't this time around. I held a precious d's syndrome baby last summer, he was so sweet and gorgeous and cuddly. I couldn't imagine anyone wanting this piece of them not to live.
Having said that, I don't know how I'd feel in your position. It's going to be a big responsibility to take care of this child forever.
God bless you and your family.
I hope everything works out for the best.
2007-03-30 08:36:24 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
This is a really hard question to answer. One one hand I think about how the baby is going to feel when it goes to school and is always being made fun of, no matter how much you dont want to believe it will happen it will and you have to be prepared. The child will never have a "normal" life. One the other hand, heaps of children and people with Downs lead happy lives and have friends and social lives and fall in love... I always wondered what I would do. I suggest watching a movie like "The Ringer", with Johnny Knoxville. You get so see lots of disabled people still being happy and confident - It helped me. I am only 7 weeks pregnant and have no other children, but it is something that has played on my mind. Another thing to remember is that you and your partner created a little baby - that is a miracle in itself, some womed will never conceive. Good Luck. My prayers are with you and your partner and that little life inside of you.
2007-03-31 17:48:42 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh please do have the baby!! I know that the initial diagnosis is scary, but I can tell you from my heart, as the mother of a two year old little boy with DS that having a child with Down syndrome is an amazing and wonderful experience. My son brings more joy and love to the people in his life than you can imagine. He is such a typical 2 year old...giggles and cries, throws tantrums, is learning new words and skills everyday. Sure, it takes a little bit of adjustment...you start to learn all about therapies and developmental delays...but it is so rewarding...and the love that that child will have for you is so unconditional and full.
I cannot imagine life without my amazing little boy. His life started a bit rough...he had heart surgery when he was 2 months old, but he is the absolute joy of my life. Children with DS have so many opportunities these days....they attend school, grow up to have jobs, some get married, some drive, etc etc.
I would invite you to check out http://www.downsyn.com/ and look at the forum.... you'll meet many many parents who cherish their special angels.
And feel free to email me if you have any specific questions...I'm happy to answer anything. Believe me...the fear lessens and is soon replaced by love.
2007-03-30 11:33:59 · answer #5 · answered by Smom 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm not going to make a decision for you since I'm childless by choice and have never had to think about such a thing. However, I would like you to know that my cousin and his wife had a Down's Syndrome baby when they were in their early 20's. The doctor somehow had no clue that would happen. He's happy and almost 6 now and is getting good scores and playing sports with everyone else. He's being a normal kid. Don't think of it as a horrible thing, there may be more doctor visits and different teaching methods and care, but he's just as wonderful as his brothers and sister.
Good luck with your decision, hon.
2007-03-30 08:44:44 · answer #6 · answered by chefgrille 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am 25 weeks and passed up the CVS and Amniocentisis. I thought to myself, would I have this baby regardless of what he would turn out to be? The answer is YES, I would never kill my son, because he doesn't turn out "perfect". Although, the thought makes me scared and sad at the same time. I did get a blood quad screening and my numbers came back normal, although this does not mean everything is gonna turn out the way I want.
Like the first answerer said, "God never gives more then we can handle" and that's been my life's lesson this whole pregnancy. Whatever happens happens but I honestly don't think you should kill the baby.
2007-03-30 08:39:31 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
This baby is your flesh and blood. If it was a normal baby would you terminate it? I dont even know how people can even think to get rid of a child just because it has problems. If you feel that you cannot care for a ds baby than give it up for adoption. or try open adoption. with open adoption you can still see your child and be with your child. And the child will always know that you are the birth mother. Abortion is wrong unless there are extremley bad conditions, and having a baby with downs is not a bad condition.
2007-03-30 08:51:13 · answer #8 · answered by nikki l 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Imagine that you are a Down's syndrome baby yourself. Now imagine that you have defied the odds and you are 25 years old, and you even have a part-time job. You find out that your mother asked 100 million Yahoo strangers what she should do. How do you feel?
Many people told her to avoid the "problem" and have you executed before your first breath. But your mother instinctively committed to keeping you and loving you no matter what happens. Through tears of gratitude, you hug her and thank her. You have actually gotten married to another Down's sufferer, and you have given your parents their first grandchild, who is 100% normal. Was it worth it?
Keep in mind that false positives are common on the test for Down's, so your baby might actually be all right.
In the event that your child is afflicted, you are not alone. There are 10's of thousands of other parents in the same predicament, and you can easily find support and encouragement through many channels.
Down's children are very special souls. Many of them are far more affectionate and trusting than the common teenager today.
Keep your baby! You WILL be blessed!
2007-03-30 09:04:53 · answer #9 · answered by PLC 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I personally wouldnt get an abortion. If my child were to be disabled in any way, downsyndrome would be one of the easiest to deal with I believe. If you can afford it, I think outside help is very important plus you would get a lot of help from the government. Depending on the severety he/she could work and be in normal classes, and live a decent lifestyle. It will take lots of work and extra love on your part but it would be worth it. Be careful of critisism with this question.... it's a sensitive subject and some people are horrible about any sort of abortions. The fact of the matter is, you need to look deep down inside yourself and what can you live with or not live with! GOOD LUCK and keep us updated!
You would be amazed at the groups they have out there for parents with disablities! IF you decide to keep the baby, you will have so much new support and meet some amazing people in the process!
2007-03-30 08:39:32 · answer #10 · answered by Mommyof3 BGB 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I know this is hard decision. If it were me I would keep the baby, but everyone is diffrent. Do keep in mind that Down Syndrome children tend to be very lovable, and depending on how severe the Down Syndrome is they may be able to live a normal life. Good luck to you. By the way I hope that test is 100% accurate, I know sometimes labs can be wrong
2007-03-30 08:38:15 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋