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: Ed Shackeroff,MD (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Fri, 17 Jul 1998 20:32:00 -0500 (CDT)

Messages sorted by: [ date ][ thread ][ subject ][ author ]
Next message: Robert Radnich, MD: "Re: BBTs and Pills--do they mix?"
Previous message: Ed Shackeroff,MD: "Re: Sex after cerclage"
In reply to: Vivian: "A doctor's opinion for pg termination/mother's health, please."

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...

This is a sad case of a "no- win" situation with respect to the fetus. You describe what sounds like Potter's Syndrome. It might be helpful to know that Potter's Syndrome (no kidney's, underdeveloped lungs, diaphragmatic hernia) is never compatible with life. No baby has ever survived. Therefore the outcome is sad and tragic whichever way the pregnancy was managed.

I often counsel tragic pregnancy situations that if there is any guilt on the mom's part is is misplaced. There is nothing your friend did to cause the defect.

If your friend is having problems about it after six years, I would suggest counseling to resolve the grief.

--
Ed Shackeroff,M.D.F.A.C.O.G.
Long Beach,CA
My comments are for informational and education purposes only

Next message: Robert Radnich, MD: "Re: BBTs and Pills--do they mix?"
Previous message: Ed Shackeroff,MD: "Re: Sex after cerclage"
In reply to: Vivian: "A doctor's opinion for pg termination/mother's health, please."

Women's Insurance Checklist from Auto Insurance Quote

use when must restrict search to only the women's health forum...
Enter search keywords:
	Returns per screen: Require all keywords: