I have just received unexpected news about the health, development or genetics of my unborn baby
Find a resource from the full list
External resources
Prenatal screening
Prenatal Screening Awareness: “This site brings together information to support Health care professionals and better enable prospective parents to make informed choices about screening, diagnostic testing and continuing or terminating a pregnancy.”
YourChoice: “Screening tests provide more information about the health of your baby. Learn about testing for chromosome conditions in pregnancy and what choices you may wish to discuss with your maternity care provider.”
External information resources
COPE: Coping with unexpected news at your ultrasound
raisingchildren.net.au: When your unborn baby has chromosomal anomalies or disability
Centre for Genetics Education: When your unborn baby has a problem: Managing the weeks ahead
Continuing pregnancy
raisingchildren.net.au: Sick or premature babies: practical preparation
raisingchildren.net.au: Children with disability: family life
Harrison’s Little Wings: Choosing to continue with pregnancy (via the drop down box)
Centre for Genetics Education: When your unborn baby has a problem: Managing the weeks ahead
Paediatric palliative care
Expectant parents who have received a potentially life-limiting prenatal diagnosis may access specialist Perinatal Palliative Care. Services may be found by filtering for Speciality Paediatric Palliative Care services in the Palliative Care Australia directory.
Paediatric Palliative Care: Resources
Harrison’s Little Wings: What if my baby dies? (via the drop down box)
Termination for medical reasons (TFMR)
Red Nose Australia: Medical termination of pregnancy
The Pink Elephants Support Network: Termination for medical reasons (includes What is TFMR, diagnostic testing, procedures for TFMR, TFMR FAQs and Shared Stories)
Harrison’s Little Wings: Choosing to end your pregnancy (via the drop down box)
Bears of Hope: Pregnancy & infant loss (inclusive of TFMR)
KEMH Women and Newborn Health Service: Abortion: After 14 weeks when there is a fetal anomaly (booklet for King Edward Memorial Hospital patients)
Stillbirth/Neonatal death
Bears of Hope: Pregnancy & infant loss
raisingchildren.net.au: Grief after stillbirth or neonatal death
Information contributors
Our information resources were written by a team of health professionals, allied health professionals and people with lived experience of receiving unexpected news about the health, development or genetics of their unborn baby. Each resource includes individual author and reviewer information, and you can read more about the team on the Contributors page.
If you are a parent experiencing loss through TFMR or stillbirth
and you are in Australia, we can post you a practical companion resource.
‘a little help from Jack’ was created by Emily Judd and Nick Waldron in memory of their son Jack Robert Waldron who was born still at 38.6 weeks on the 5th of October 2021. It is a practical resource companion for pregnancy and baby loss.
‘a little help from Remy’ was then developed in collaboration with Meagan Donaldson in memory of her son Remy Asher Donaldson who was born via TFMR on the 11th of February 2023. It is a practical resource companion for Termination For Medical Reasons (TFMR).
Through the Unexpected sponsored a print run of these wonderful resources so that we can express post you a copy. Please complete the online form to request a free companion.
Resource Library development funded by
Disclaimer
The Through the Unexpected Information Resource Library is a service provided by Through the Unexpected, a health promotion charity in Australia. The purpose of this library is to offer support, information, and resources to parents who receive unexpected news about the health, development, or genetics of their unborn baby.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it is important to note that the content within this library is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your health or allied health providers.
Through the Unexpected does not endorse or recommend any specific healthcare providers, treatments, therapies, pathways or interventions. It is essential to consult with your healthcare team and trusted medical and therapeutic professionals for personalised advice and guidance tailored to your specific situation. The information provided in this resource library may not cover all potential scenarios, and individual circumstances may vary.
Through the Unexpected is not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this resource library. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information presented, and we disclaim any liability arising from the use of this library. By accessing and using the Through the Unexpected Information Resource Library, you agree to the terms and conditions outlined in this disclaimer. If you do not agree with these terms, please refrain from using this resource library.
Through the Unexpected reserves the right to update, modify, or remove any content within this resource library without prior notice.
Thank you for using the Through the Unexpected Information Resource Library. We hope you find the information provided helpful in navigating your way through the unexpected.