Can pregnancy be ended in the 28th week for fetal anomalies?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am in my late 6th month of pregnancy. Recently, I went for a scan named targeted imaging for fetal anomalies (TIFFA). All the reports were normal except for a hypoplastic nasal bone and higher-than-normal values of amniotic fluid. I am approaching you for a second consultation now. My questions are, what if we go for genetic amniocentesis and the results are positive for Down syndrome? Can I terminate the pregnancy in my 28th week of pregnancy? How safe is it to go for an amniocentesis test? Is there any alternative test to get better results? I decided not to have a baby who is mentally retarded.

Please suggest your valuable advice.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have thoroughly gone through your case and can well understand your genuine health concerns. We can better comment on the outcome after getting the results of the amniocentesis. Even if it is Down syndrome, people usually go for keeping the fetus alive, and they go for the completion of pregnancy to full term. You may terminate anytime, depending on where you opt in for this termination. I mean, you need to have expert hands for that. Amniocentesis is a widely done test all over the world, and as with every invasive procedure, it has its own safety profile.

Risk of complications is always there, as it is associated with an invasive procedure. Again, I want to add that if you opt for the expert hands and a seasoned professional obstetricians, gynecologists, and interventional radiologist then there is no too low risk for the baby and the mother. Amniocentesis and karyotyping to rule out genetic disorders that involve chromosomal anomalies is the best test universally. No other choice, as this is what we need to know next, and this is the specific test available, which may guide us about that. It is your right to decide, and it is solely you who can decide about your body as to what is better for you. A physician can only guide you about the procedures, and the final decision is solely your own as to what should be done.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.