stories of prenatal diagnosis

We know that prenatal diagnosis is more common than many think. Yet, we rarely hear the stories of the people that have received unexpected news about the health, development or genetics of their unborn baby. We wish to change that so parents no longer feel hidden or isolated.

We have collated parents stories to share with the variety of reactions, experiences and outcomes.

Note:

  • These stories appear in random order.
  • Stories which help one person, may be unhelpful for another.

Please use the dropdown category box to select a particular topic or to avoid other topics.

The decision-making category includes stories that reflect the vast array of potential experiences.

Click on the logo/image to go directly to the story, or select the View Profile link if you wish to read more about it first.

Please contact us to let us know about any other stories we should include here.

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Photo of Australian Birth Stories: Bianca (podcast)

Australian Birth Stories: Bianca (podcast)

An interview with Bianca who unexpectedly navigated the complex reality of a Downs Syndrome diagnosis. Despite multiple health professionals advising her to terminate, she chose to keep her baby, journeyed through a tumultuous pregnancy and delivered him at 34weeks via cesarean.

Photo of Still a Mum by Meagan Donaldson (Book)

Still a Mum by Meagan Donaldson (Book)

What no parent wants to face: Meagan Donaldson was 23 weeks pregnant when tests confirmed that her unborn baby had a rare condition. Told the prognosis for their daughter was poor, they made a heartbreaking decision to say goodbye to their little girl. Soon after, Violet Grace was born. Still, but perfect.

Photo of Australian Birth Stories: Sarah Jade (podcast)

Australian Birth Stories: Sarah Jade (podcast)

After a long and traumatic 33 weeks of pregnancy, Sarah let go of her second child Aksel, who had severe brain malformations.

Photo of Nova-Lee’s story (Blog)

Nova-Lee’s story (Blog)

This is Nova-Lee’s story, of an unexpected heart diagnosis during a scan for premature water rupture before 30 weeks and perinatal palliative care/comfort care. “We moved to the butterfly room, where Nova was placed on my chest, with dad next to us. Taking in every last moment. From memory Nova-Lee lived for 3 hours, at 10:50pm.”

Photo of Grief, acceptance and special needs parenting: it’s complicated (blog)

Grief, acceptance and special needs parenting: it’s complicated (blog)

A mother’s reflection about grief, acceptance, joy and growth after continuing a pregnancy following a prenatal diagnosis.

Photo of The Pink Elephants Support Network: TFMR shared stories (posts)

The Pink Elephants Support Network: TFMR shared stories (posts)

Five stories from parents who ended their wanted pregnancies following prenatal diagnoses.

Photo of One Screened Every Minute: Naomi & Al (podcast)

One Screened Every Minute: Naomi & Al (podcast)

They are the parents of two boys – Frankie, who is seven and Joe. Joe passed away suddenly just before his second birthday. Only a few months later, Naomi became pregnant. They talk about the decision to terminate the pregnancy when a non-invasive prenatal screening showed a high chance of a chromosomal deletion.

Photo of Pieta’s story (article and journal article)

Pieta’s story (article and journal article)

Pieta read her ultrasound report at 31 weeks to find her baby’s brain had developed in an unexpected way. Pieta has shared her story as a Gidget Angel and written a journal publication.

Photo of Australian Birth Stories: Annabel Bower (podcast)

Australian Birth Stories: Annabel Bower (podcast)

Annabel Bower received a prenatal diagnosis of hydrocephalus at the 20 week scan, after a hemorrhage in utero. Annabel spoke of her need to change medical providers in order to receive the support and information she needed, before delivering her son Miles early and saying goodbye.

Photo of One Screened Every Minute: Belinda (podcast)

One Screened Every Minute: Belinda (podcast)

Belinda is a full time professional and mother of four children. She shares her experience of non-invasive prenatal screening and termination following a Trisomy 21 diagnosis. Belinda grew up as a hearing child of deaf parents.

Photo of A Story of a Medical Termination by Zena (Blog)

A Story of a Medical Termination by Zena (Blog)

To the newly bereaved parent,

Please know that you’re not alone. I want to share my story of medical termination.

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