Carrying on the pregnancyCarrying on the pregnancy
The parents can decide to continue the pregnancy in total freedom since there is usually no risk in doing so. It is a pregnancy like any other. Even if it seems easier, a doctor should not « impose » a termination or even incite the parents to do one by suggesting that there is a risk for the mother or that the baby would suffer in the womb or suffer a painful death… All of that is simply not true medically and, if it becomes true at a given time, it can be dealt with advisedly.
Once the diagnosis has been given, by following the pregnancy the doctor is not focused on the illness of the expected child, but he is there to provide all the explanations necessary for the parents to allow them to make the most of the baby’s presence and his life in the womb. The ultrasound scan, which at the time of the diagnosis had a very destructive impact, allows parents to re-appropriate the image of their child: they can see him or her, follow this hidden life and bring back images to the home.
For the parents, the main thing is to feel supported by the doctor, to be able to express themselves in total freedom. In being accompanied in this way, they feel less alone and can, in view of the circumstances, live the rest of the pregnancy in the greatest serenity possible.
It can happen that the baby dies in the womb. Carrying on the pregnancy is of course not possible. The medical care given is thus different.
Accompanying parents is not only the role of the doctor-obstetrician, but of an entire medical and paramedical team in order that catering for this approach is real.
Relaxation sessions or haptonomy classes (antenatal classes based on science of affectivity to “communicate with the baby) can be offered to the mother to be to help her surround her baby and free certain tensions that she feels; in the same way a psychological assistance can also be necessary, since expecting a baby who will die cannot be lived without bearing deep suffering.
Relaxation sessions or haptonomy classes (antenatal classes based on science of affectivity to “communicate with the baby) can be offered to the mother to be to help her surround her baby and free certain tensions that she feels; in the same way a psychological assistance can also be necessary, since expecting a baby who will die cannot be lived without bearing deep suffering.
Medical care when the baby dies in the womb.
It can happen that the baby dies in the womb. Carrying on the pregnancy is of course not possible. The medical care given is thus different. It may be necessary to wait for a few days before inducing labour. This is thus the time for the goodbye which continues the story already begun with the baby. The birth is carried out normally (epidural, drips …) and naturally. The moment of welcoming the baby is important and the parents have the time to make acquaintance with this baby who left too quickly. If they feel ready, they can, supported by the team, see the baby, touch it and take it in their arms.
