medical termination

[baggysenior]

hi, unfortunately my sister in law had to have a medical termination at 20 weeks gestation last week for multiple fetal anomalies namely severe spina bifida. She had to go through the trauma of delivering her little girl normally. Understandably the family are distraught, i was just wondering whether anyone one else has been through this and where they received the best support from? does anyone know of any websites where she can read from people who have experienced similar things.She dosent quite understand why her baby had spina bifida and believes its her fault (we know this isnt true)so any info on spina bifida etc would be appreciated. Also, she is desperate to get pregnant again- does anyone know how long it takes for the female body to become fertile again (she didnt have any surgery and shes only 22 years of age)and what is the likelihood of spina bifida occuring again in future pregnancies. sorry so many questions!many thanks for your help.

[cazzz1975]

Hi there,

sorry to hear of your sister in laws loss, I have pasted a weblink to Ivillage which is a great site and has message boards that deal with this type of issue

http://parenting.ivillage.com/messageboards#6q szd1bt

[3Rainbows]

Really sorry to hear about your sis-in-law. The only place i can advise is babycentre.co.uk . They have loads of boards on there. I post on one of them and i can honestly say more help and advice from ladies on there than from friends with children, midwives, dr etc. Give it a go there will definately be people on there who have been through similar and can relate to her give advice and offer support. x

[pussnboots]

So very sorry about this, I lost a baby girl at full term, it was devastating, not spina bifida but a brain haemorrhage. My thoughts are with her xx.

[Goodsoulette]

She could get pregnant from almost straight after. She needs to make sure she is taking enough folic acid, you can get a specific supplement that makes sure she gets it every day, but is also found in cereals, beans, leafy veg and fruit. Not taking enough hasd been linked to spina bifida. She needs to start taking the supplements from as soon as she wants to concieve up until 12 weeks of gestation (this is when the spine will have finished developing, so no holes can appear after this).

There is an increased risk in siblings being born with spina bifida, so the above is very important as although the cause is unknown, this is known to help.

When they are thinking of trying again, they need to ask their doctor about genetic counselling!

[gleaveyweave]

Can't give any more help than has already been posted but just wanted to pass on my sincerest sympathy to your sister in law and also the others who have had similar experiences. I am blessed to have two healthy boys and I cannot imagine what it must be like to lose a child. My heart goes out to her and I hope life picks up for her soon. Take care xx

[baggysenior]

thanks to all for your kind words of support and sympathy. I will definitely be encouraging my sister in law to look up some of the suggested web links. many thanks again xxxx