May decides to have an ultrasound in the 16th week (2nd trimester), which isn?t
ID: 39273 • Letter: M
Question
May decides to have an ultrasound in the 16th week (2nd trimester), which isn?t known to have any negative side effects on a fetus?s health. After the procedure, Dr. Sheppard informs John and May the ultrasound revealed that the fetus has both an enlarged heart and head. Abandoning her religious views on invasive prenatal testing, May decides to have amniocentesis, a test that could reveal more information about the malformation. After waiting for several weeks to have their questions answered, the Reid?s are informed that the fetus is female and the results indicate that there is an additional copy of chromosome 18 ?n some of her somatic cells. This means that the Reid?s won?t know how severe the disease is until after their child?s the birth. Dr. Sheppard explains to them that while the fetus does not have full Trisomy 18 but the child ?s going to require extensive medical care due to possible heart complications. Dr. Sheppard also discusses the options or alternatives they have: terminating the pregnancy or waiting to see how the disorder will progress. John and May are determined to have the baby but have serious doubts as to whether they will be able to handle what?s to come. Questions 1 What advice would you give John and May? (i.e. social, emotional and economical support) 2. Discuss the reasons a person might have against prenatal testing or possibly terminating a pregnancy?Explanation / Answer
They may continue with the pregnancy as the child has trisomy 18 in some of the somatic cells ony, the condition is less severe than full trisomy. The child may have heart complications that could be corrected after birth, and may require extensive medical care. It is not advised to go for abortion at this stage of pregnancy which would have been 5th of 6th month of carrying by now; it may lead to complication to the mother. The child may suffer from developmental disorders, and parents need to devote more time and money to up bring her.