WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for July, 1998: Re: A doctor's opinion for pg termination/mother's health, please.

Re: A doctor's opinion for pg termination/mother's health, please.

From: Hans van der Slikke, OBGYN (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Thu, 16 Jul 1998 16:57:45 -0500 (CDT)

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In reply to: Vivian: "A doctor's opinion for pg termination/mother's health, please."
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At Thu, 16 Jul 1998, Vivian wrote: >
>Several years ago a friend of mine discovered at her 20 week ultrasound
>that her baby had several severe defects (both kidneys missing, etc.)
>that rendered it incompatible with life. The doctors were surprised it
>was still alive at 20 weeks, and gave her the option of waiting for it
>to die and going through labor, or terminating the pregnancy. Her
>doctor recommended termination "for health reasons". My friend
>terminated the pregnancy, but now 6 years later is still haunted by her
>decision. She mentioned to me that she feels she was mislead, that the
>doctors made her believe her health might be in danger, but now she
>thinks they meant her mental health. She mentioned that she would like
>to ask her neighbor who is an OB/GYN if she could get enough guts. Would
>waiting for a fetus to die, then delivering it pose a physical health
>threat for the mother? I sure would like to ease her conscious if
>possible.....thanks.
>
>--
>Vivian
>

Vivian,

It is an awfull experience when you hear your baby has severe handicaps that are incompatible with life. For 'health reasons' it doesn't matter if the pregnancy is induced or follows the 'natural way'. The most important is, however, that the mother is fully aware of the alternatives and then, with her partner, can decide what to do and after a serious reflection caan decide. My experience is that some mothers immediately want labour have induced while others prefer to wait. So in conclusion I think in this way the doctor's advice was not the best for your friends (mental) health. However;for your friend it is very important to know that without kidneys the baby didn't have a chance at all...

--
Hans van der Slikke MD PhD
Chairman International Council OBGYN-net

Next message: Jan: "Hormaon Pellet Therpy"
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In reply to: Vivian: "A doctor's opinion for pg termination/mother's health, please."
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