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Late term abortion at 31 weeks?

10 replies

Hellokitty1986 · 08/06/2025 14:39

Trigger warning....(abortion)

Termination at 31 weeks due to extenuating circumstances (uk)?

I will start by saying my son has a genetic disorder which is spontaneous (it was not passed on through me or dad) just one of those unfortunate things. He is 8 years old and In turn, this genetic disorder has caused a cancer that has lost him the use of his legs the past few months. Previous to this he was on a drug trial which was going well and all this decline in his health has happened during the pregnancy which has been hard in itself. Regardless, he is excited to meet his brother as he has been very isolated especially recently.
I had an amnio to rule out my sons condition in this new baby (that would be unlikely considering both me and my partner) and the other few they test for in the UK (downs, trisomy, edwards and pataus). All came back negative.
Everything looked great until 28 week scan. Prominent fetal gall bladder. Asked for a termination. Said no come back in 2 weeks as may resolve. Came back for 30 week scan and it's worse...Prominent gall bladder, dilated bowel and ascites around abdomen (fluid). I am going to speak to a consultant on Tuesday but regardless of what they say this sounds awful. I am also stunned that the only test for 3 genetic disorders with the NHS amnio. I was absolutely sure that they said they test for more. I remember I did ask could I get more extensive testing privately and the dr at Manchester said no, he's never heard of that. I've since realised that's not true. I feel like such an idiot. I am seeing a consultant at another hospital next week but this screams chromosomal disorder already.
Would I be able to make a case for a termination at 31 weeks (UK) due to my sons declining condition and the fact that I cannot look after 2 sick children? I cannot cope watching another child have a bad and painful life brought into the world by me.
Will he be in pain in my stomach if he dues have these anomalies? I can't eat or sleep. I feel sick as a dog

Late term abortion at 31 weeks?
OP posts:
BastardesEverywhere · 08/06/2025 18:40

Haven't you posted this exact thread already?

Glitchymn1 · 08/06/2025 18:41

OP you’ll just get the same responses. Im
so sorry you are struggling. It’s really up to you, nobody knows how the baby’s health will be xxx

Hellokitty1986 · 08/06/2025 18:45

Ah sorry I did not realise everyone saw this. I'm new to mumsnet. I thought it would only be people that had experienced similar.

OP posts:
Glitchymn1 · 08/06/2025 18:49

@Hellokitty1986 It sort of pops up on the side menu (for me).

You had a few responses last time didn’t you, was it if no use? I think you might struggle to get posters in the same/similar position- it’s so complex. Can the consultants not do more tests..wishing you the best outcome, I’ll shuffle off now x

intrepidgiraffe · 08/06/2025 20:53

If you haven’t already, call the ARC helpline when they open tomorrow, they will provide so much support and are so knowledgeable. Sending love.

Laurabeee · 08/06/2025 20:58

I think your situation is quite unique and it may be hard to find people in the same circumstances. I would hope that there is someone in the fetal medicine unit who can help talk things through with you. I think you need someone at the hospital really helpful who knows your situation in detail to really explain the findings on the scan.
this must be so upsetting for you and I hope that you get lots of support

Hellokitty1986 · 08/06/2025 22:22

With these 3 anomalies appearing at 30 weeks...I was hoping other people would have certainly come across that in their own pregnancies. So I wanted to know the outcome of theirs before I go to the appointment. Looks like it might be quite a rare finding though Unfortunately.

OP posts:
Picklepucklebuckle · 08/06/2025 22:27

I second the recommendation to call ARC, they were so unbelievably helpful when I found myself in a similar situation.

it is also possible to have much more indepth genetic testing during an amnio. I had whole exome testing done which found my child’s genetic condition.

im sorry you’re experiencing this, its such a torturous situation to be in. Sending you love

healthybychristmas · 08/06/2025 22:31

I'm so sorry you're going through this and I'm so sorry about your little boy as well. It must be so tough for you right now. 💐

Rumplestiltz · 08/06/2025 22:33

You must must must phone ARC.
many doctors will just not want to have a conversation with you about this. They won’t have to deal with the consequences so just won’t want to get involved. There are doctors, not many, who will want to support you to make the decision that is right for you and your family - whatever that may be.
so extremely sorry for what you are going through.

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