QuestionI am 35 years old and I was told on 06-08-07 that my child had a lethal form. I am about 19 1/2 weeks. also my Amniotic fluid is very low and that would cause more problems. They said the baby would not live I don't know what to do. They said I could let them go by themselves or let them take them and I only have till the 25th of June to make my mind up. what do you think?
AnswerDear Anne,
I'm sorry to hear of your diagnosis. Lethal skeletal dysplasias are rare (occurring in about 1 out of 10,000-40,000 pregnancies,depending on the type) but I am sorry to say this does almost always result in the death of the baby. They are either born prematurely, are stillborn, or die shortly after birth from respiratory failure.
Because of the advances in ultrasound technology, we are able to identify disorders like this before birth and the accuracy of diagnosis is quite reliable. A study done at the University of Maryland Medical Center and the Ultrasound Institute of Baltimore from January 1989 to December 1996 determined that identification of LSD by sonography was excellent (26/27). This study also evaluated other diagnostic tools and their results. It also concluded that other methods for specific diagnosis, such as clinical examination, radiographs, and autopsy, were also necessary.
Obviously you have had a clinical examination and ultrasound. I have not met a doctor yet that would give a woman this type of news unless they felt absolutely certain and knew they had to. As to your choices, that is up to you. It is a completely personal choice which will take a lot of soul searching. I'm sorry you're in this situation. It is never, ever easy.
I hope this information has helped in some small way and answered your question. I wish you well and will have a good thought for you.
Brenda
