Journey to motherhood

I know that I am treading in deep and rough waters, but let's bring this discussion to those going through these scenarios themselves: pregnant women. We are each faced with fears and worries about our unborn child. When my grandmother was pregnant, there were no ways in which she could find out if her children would be born without defects. She gave birth and was lucky that all was well.

Nowadays, we have options. The fact that any of us undergoes screening is an indication that we believe in the right to choose what happens. Sure, it could just be to have the knowledge so we can prepare for the worst, but, most likely, we do the tests to give us options.

Although inconclusive, first trimester ultrasounds and blood tests look for alarm bells. One can also opt to have Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS), which detects chromosomal abnormalities such as Down Syndrome and many other genetic disorders.

A Quad Screen

At 16 or 17 weeks, a Quad Screen can be done. This is a blood test to detect defects and abnormalities. This test does present many women with false positives. Statistics are conflicting, so speak to your obstetrician. However, for those of you who need reassurance, it won't matter what anyone says. If the probability of you having a baby with Down Syndrome rises from one in 400 to one in 124, let's say, then you won't hesitate to have an amniocentesis, even though you might be fairly far along. I'd be surprised if your doctor did not advise you to do so. After all, you underwent the Quad screen didn't you?

Having an amniocentesis is scary. The obstetrician will stick a long needle into your uterus to withdraw a test tube of the amniotic fluid, which will be screened for chromosomal and genetic disorders, and neural tube defects. He or she will use an ultrasound to ensure that the baby is not disturbed or hurt, and an area of your belly will be sterilised to prevent infections. The procedure is usually quick and painless. You will be advised to rest for a couple of days, and you might experience some cramping and spotting.

What's more daunting is the couple of weeks you'll have to wait for the results, especially as by the time you do find out, you might already be feeling foetal movements. This is when the empathy and understanding of friends and family would be appreciated. Mummy-to-be could be tearing up inside, and might soon be faced with an unspeakable decision.

The right to judge

There's tremendous debate in this country about abortions and, frankly, I'm amazed that anti-abortionists think that those who are pro-choice are FOR abortion. No woman gets pleasure from terminating her pregnancy, and no one else has the right to judge those who go through with it.

A woman must weigh the alternatives. Bringing a baby with abnormalities into the world will affect everyone in her immediate family. This child could also have countless medical problems which will lead to a low-quality life. You might not see things this way, but don't inflict your unwanted views on those who do choose to screen for abnormalities. It's the mother's choice.

Emmadaltonbrown@gmail.com