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Continuing a pregnancy

Shock and grief

Being told there is something wrong with your baby will have an emotional impact on you. The news is probably unexpected and you may face a mixture of confusing feelings, including shock and grief. Your hopes had centred around the arrival of a healthy baby and it is normal to react in a powerful way, even if your baby has not been diagnosed with a life-threatening condition or one considered by others as 'serious'.

It can take time and space to adjust to the news. Everyone is unique and there is no 'right' way to feel. If you are experiencing painful emotions, it may help to talk them through. Please feel able to call the ARC Helpline. You may also find it helpful to talk to one of your team of health care professionals or with a counsellor.

Your decision

It may be that you are and always have been entirely committed to continuing the pregnancy. The possibility of termination may not have been raised because your baby's condition is easily treated. But for some parents it may have been very difficult to make the decision whether or not to continue with the pregnancy. Health care professionals cannot and should not push you in any direction, but this can sometimes feel unhelpful if you are struggling to make a painful decision. Only you know what is right for you, your family and your baby, and you need to feel that you have made the choice that is right for you.

What you need to know after the initial diagnosis

It is not always easy to take in information when you are distressed and/or in shock. It is important to have all the information you need about what has been diagnosed in your baby, so it may help to have someone with you whenever you see a doctor and to have a list of questions written down, in case you forget something you wanted to ask. Always ask your health professional to explain things slowly and carefully and ask for clear explanations of any complicated medical terms.

Download a sample questions form

'Handbook for Parents with a Prenatal Diagnosis'

ARC has produced a booklet which aims to help you gain the information, advice and support you may need in order that your needs as a parent are met, as well as those of your unborn baby. It is for all parents, whatever has been diagnosed in their baby, and covers a number of practical and emotional issues, including:

Antenatal care
Preparing for the birth
Postnatal care
If your baby's future is uncertain or your baby is going to die
The impact on family and friends
Getting help and support and useful contacts
Glossary of medical terms

If your hospital is not able to provide you with a copy of this booklet, you can obtain one by contacting ARC by phone, email or post.

Making Decisions

Working with parents who choose to continue an affected pregnancy is a new area for ARC; it is an area where there is little overall information and support available for parents. We welcome contact from such parents - for that is the only way we can truly understand the issues and concerns specific to your situation.

Please contact the ARC Helpline on 020 7631 0285.

Helpful Organisations

Details of organisations which offer support and advice for specific conditions can be found on our Links page