2023-12-09 17:01:01
Title: Couple shares their experience with NIPT and difficult decision to terminate pregnancy
Marlien and her partner faced a difficult decision when the Non-Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT) showed that their child may have Edwards syndrome. Marlien, 36, bravely shares their story of the emotional rollercoaster they went through.
The couple received the shocking news from a midwife who calmly informed them about the possibility of their child having Edwards syndrome, a chromosome abnormality. Despite the midwife’s reassurance that more than 10% of positive results turn out to be false alarms, Marlien and her partner were understandably shaken.
The news came as a surprise to them, as there were no prior indications of genetic abnormalities in their families, and Marlien was only thirty-four at the time of the pregnancy. With their healthy daughter Kirsten at home, the couple had to grapple with the reality of the situation.
Having previously discussed the possibility of having a child with a disability, Marlien and her partner believed that every life is desirable, except in cases where the disability would severely impact the child’s quality of life. They were faced with the difficult decision of whether or not to continue the pregnancy.
After much contemplation, they opted for further testing, fearing the potential risks of chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis. The results of the amniocentesis confirmed their worst fears – the child was 99% certain to have Edwards syndrome. Devastated by the news, they made the heartbreaking decision to terminate the pregnancy for the sake of their unborn child and their daughter Kirsten.
Marlien’s journey did not end there as she had to endure a difficult and emotional birth, resulting in the stillbirth of their daughter, Lisanne. The experience left an indelible mark on the couple, and Marlien admits that she does not want to go through another pregnancy.
Their story sheds light on the difficult decisions that parents may be faced with when dealing with prenatal genetic abnormalities. Despite the pain and heartache, Marlien and her partner are grateful for their healthy daughter and consider her a miracle in their lives.
The couple’s experience serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities and challenges that come with prenatal testing and the difficult decisions that parents may be forced to make.]
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