Bit of background. Me and DH had always said we weren't too fussed about having kids but if it happened then it happened if not then we weren't going to try. We have a very comfortable life and kids never came into the equation. We are both career orientated and have lived by the mantra work hard play harder.
I discovered I was pregnant (late 30s). We opted to have all tests done due to my age. My original plan was to hold off telling anyone about the pregnancy until this was complete and we knew everything was ok but due to severe morning sickness people have found out I am also past the 12 week mark so I assume people thought it was ok to share.
we've just had the test results back and have had it has been confirmed our baby has Down syndrome. We have decided that termination would be best for us for a variety of reasons. We do understand nothing guaranteed but what we can control we are.
One of the big deciding factors for us was watching a very good friend of ours facing difficulties since the moment her son was born (has Down syndrome and various other medical issues, along with autism). He is non verbal, is disabled and will need care his whole life. She has become a SAHM single mum and practically lost her identity and her own life. Don't get me wrong she does a wonderful job and I'm amazed at the milestones they have reached but this is not the life I would want for me and my child. she is consistently sharing things for pro life and has a huge issue with late termination due to diagnosis in the womb. Forever sharing statistics etc about termination rates.
I know that many people with Down syndrome lead normal lives but us a couple have decided it's not the way for us. I'm now worried about speaking to my friend to discuss why we have decided on termination (unfortunately she knows - my sister mentioned it to her in passing I was pregnant). I know I don't have to explain anything to anyone but I do need to explain something. I don't want to lose a friendship over this but I feel this could be the case, as I'm effectively going what she is so against.
How would others go about this? Any mums on here in a similar situation to my friend? how would take the news?
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feelingguilty001 · 17/03/2024 08:10
SameBoats · 17/03/2024 08:32
This happened to me, it was quite a few years ago now. Hardly any people were informed as quite frankly it’s none of their business. There is a good charity called ARC https://www.arc-uk.org/
They are a completely non judgemental charity who give advice. I ended up joining their forums for support.
It’s a sad time but as I had the option to terminate I did. I didn’t want to potentially have to give up my career. Plus what happens after you die? I have another child and there is no way I wanted to have them feel like they needed to ever become a carer. Plus people with learning difficulties are just generally so vulnerable. I had worked with students with additional needs and seen the struggles.
You will be ok though sad, take care of yourself.
feelingguilty001 · 17/03/2024 11:58
Thanks all I think I'm just worried that people will ask what happened. It's not something I would ever do but just wasn't sure if people would or not.
I hate lying as miscarriage is a horrible thing for people to go through and I don't feel like I deserve the sympathy when I have made this decision myself
CabinetofMonstrosities · 17/03/2024 08:15
You don’t need to discuss it. This is your business only.
”We decided a termination was best for us”.
If she tries to engage on it, Drop the rope, walk away. It might be the end of the friendship but if it is, then it is.
There will be no way to change her mind. You make the right decision for yourself.
ladygindiva · 17/03/2024 12:09
I agree with this but also you don't have to tell people your private medical records; a simple " the pregnancys sadly not happening/ended" will do and it's your right to refuse to discuss/ explain any further.
CabinetofMonstrosities · 17/03/2024 08:15
You don’t need to discuss it. This is your business only.
”We decided a termination was best for us”.
If she tries to engage on it, Drop the rope, walk away. It might be the end of the friendship but if it is, then it is.
There will be no way to change her mind. You make the right decision for yourself.
GoodnightAdeline · 17/03/2024 12:15
Also, and I hope you dont mind me asking, but did your friend actually know her child had Downs before he was born? The fiercest advocates for pro life and anti-NIPT tend to be parents that didn’t even know their child had downs until birth - so they didn’t actually make the choice to have a disabled child. But they expect others to, because they say so.
feelingguilty001 · 17/03/2024 11:58
Thanks all I think I'm just worried that people will ask what happened. It's not something I would ever do but just wasn't sure if people would or not.
I hate lying as miscarriage is a horrible thing for people to go through and I don't feel like I deserve the sympathy when I have made this decision myself
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