We were told our unborn baby has a life threatening birth defect: What would you do?

Get a second opinion maybe even a third and then decide what you want to do.

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My friends 1st grandbaby just came home from the hospital where she spent her first 100 days. She’s just so beautiful and perfect. She’s expected to live as normally as any other child. Prayers u find peace.

Dont terminate. Sometimes doctors are wrong! I say every baby has a chance to be a miracle.

It’s called gastroschisis and is actually quite treatable. Baby will need a short-ish NICU stay.

The intestines growing outside the body isn’t as rare as you think, and can be fixed.

My nephew was born with this, it’s called gastroschisis. He just turned 1 in December and is a full of energy little spit fire. Depending on the severity he may not even need surgery. My nephew didn’t need surgery, they slowly pushed his intestines back into his abdomen.

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I would terminate the pregnancy… i will not put a human be miserable throughout their life… if the baby was already born it was another thing but in this case terminating the fetus would be a better choice…

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Some of these issues can be repaired in utero. Research and find the best dr to give your baby the most hope. Dont give up when that baby is still fighting

Absolutely would not terminate every child is a blessing and perfect

Keep the baby, science has come so far. They can put the intestines back into the abdomen safely now a days. It’s called gastroscisis and it’s treatable!!.

I would keep things like that happen and all is well. Alot if times they think the worst and they end up wrong. Let live and let God. Good luck

It’s called gastrotisis, it’s not all that uncommon, it’s difficult but they usually use a suction method and gravity to suck babies intestines back in and stitch baby up, possibly a surgery but highly unlikely repeat surgeries. Get a second opinion, it sounds like this doctor gave u bad information and scared you

I knew somebody whose baby had something born outside of their bodies. I can’t remember exactly which part but it sounds like this.
He is 3 years old and from what I can tell, lives a perfectly normal life. He had surgery of course but from what I understand, he is perfectly fine. Give your baby a chance.

I’m always extremely leery of trusting doctors who say, “it could be completely fine, or it could be very bad.” That happened to two women I know pretty recently and in both cases the baby was born with no issues

Gastroschisis is fairly common and treatable through surgery. In a lot of cases, only one is needed and it’s a fairly quick recovery. A friend had a gastro baby and she was in the nicu for a few months and is now totally healthy. I would go through with the pregnancy. Odds are he will be fine and it will be worth it. :heart:

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I was told all kinds of stuff the high risk clinic tried to get me to abort twice sayng it would be easier on us all. Shes a healthy 21 yr old. No issues…

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Get yourself to a top notch hospital, get with a high risk doctor, and go from there. You may have to stay in a city far away to get the care you need but it will be worth it.

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Get a second opinion because this is more common then your dr is making it seem. As far as should you keep or terminate that is only a decision for you and you baby daddy to make. Pray about it and let God have full control of the situation. Remember He is a Miracle Working God.

The lead singer of butcher babies was born like that. I’d keep it, you never know

This is called gastroscheis , my daughter was born with it and only required two surgeries . She is happy healthy and THRIVING , I could not imagine terminating. You need to find a new doctor who believes in you and your unborn child

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I used to babysit fir a baby that had this as well as a great nephew ,they both are healthy boys and was all done when they were babies they don’t even remember

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Someone I know her baby had that and after a few surgeries she is happy and healthy she just turned 4 a few days ago I say get a 2nd opinion

Get a second opinion by someone who specializes with pediatric defects sound like it would be one maybe two surgeries. My youngest son Christopher had open heart surgery at six months old and he had a high chance of passing away but I put it in the lord’s hands. I still say go get a second opinion because come and a new baby just isn’t the right thing to do yeah he may have lifelong health issues but the lord gave him to you because he knows that you can handle the obstacles he puts in front of you because you are one of his toughest soldiers he wouldn’t have done this to you if he didn’t think you couldn’t handle it

My cousin was born with his intestines outside of his body in 1986 and he is perfectly fine a scar from the surgery but thats all. Keep your baby

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Up to you, but let me tell you about someone we know. When I was preggy with my middle child a friend of ours was also preggy. they had the tests and ultrasounds and found the baby had a severe disability. they went back and forth and finally decided to terminate. They wanted an autopsy done because they wanted to find out if genetic and how severe. Turns out the baby was 100% healthy. The testing was wrong (false positive) and the ultrasound wrong (no idea how). The trauma of the termination caused complications leaving her infertile as they had to do an emergency hysterectomy to save her life. Her and her husband lasted 6 months before divorcing as they blamed each other. I feel there is not enough info to make this decision. The fact you have to ask this question (if you should terminate or not) means you are not truly wanting to and you will regret that decision in the long run as you are already doubting it.

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They can fix it or might fixbon its own as time goes by my step nephew had same problem and born with I testines on the outside and he is 14 now and the only thing is he can’t drink carbonated drinks and has to be carefull what he eats. He is doing awsome.

My nephew had this exact thing. He’s 13 now. Strong, handsome, smart, a champion at sports. 1 surgical procedure immediately after he was born. That’s it! I suggest you see a specialist if your doctor’s have no idea what’s going on.

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My friend had this with both her sons and are perfect!

My niece was born with it and she is a healthy 19 year old now

I know 3 families that had this happen and 2 of the children had surgery and are fine the other child has issues multiple surgeries but is leading a happy life. It’s really more common than the drs are letting on not the families I know went to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, I’d ask for second or even 3rd opinions before decisions are made

It’s not uncommon. Its treatable with surgery

My 2nd child was diagnosed with trisomy 18 when I was 14weeks pregnant. Many told me terminate but I gave her a chance. She’s about to be 5.

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Babies are born with intestines outside of their bodies occasionally and my suggestion to you would be to go to a large medical center and get a second opinion from a specialist.

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If there was a chance the baby would be ok, with or without surgery but if the baby’s quality of life could be good, and there was potential for the baby to have a healthy happy life I would take the pregnancy to term and have the baby :100::100::100:. The only way is even consider terminating is if the baby would like not survive regardless or if I terminated or not. I don’t think I’m strong enough to knowingly carry and give birth to a baby that would not survive. But other than that is fight for my baby for sure and do everything in my power to help it have a happy healthy life. I wouldn’t terminate on a maybe. What if he’s ok??? That’s a big what if to live with.

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This is a really tough decision to make, but in the end, no matter how many opinions you get here, the decision is still yours to make. I do understand both sides, because if you terminate, you may regret that decision, and always think what if, but if you decide to keep your baby, and he/she has any serious long term health issues, you will feel bad that your baby has to live their life like that. I would find out as much information as possible, about your babys condition, talk to multiple drs if you have to, and then make your decision. There is no right or wrong decision, you do what you feel is the right thing to do, because it’s your choice, and either way you will be the one dealing with the after math of whatever option you choose, not anyone else. Good luck to you. :heart:

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Do some research and talk to a children’s hospital to a doctor who is familiar with it. Its your child and yes there are specialist out there. Dont give up on your baby

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Make a decision you can live with. The choice is yours. Can you live with the guilt of terminating? Can you live with the guilt of giving life to someone who may not ever get to experience it? Im so sorry you have to make this call. Much love and support to you.

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Nobody can answer this for you. And ignore anyone being insensitive about this. But as others have said, unless this is something completely different, gastroscheis is fairly common and treatable. I personally wouldn’t terminate just for that.

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Doctors tried to convince my mother to abort. She had breast cancer, and had a ton of test, xrays and scans before she knew she was pregnant. They said I would likely be stillborn or only live briefly if I was breathing. They said that in the slight chance I would survive, that I would likely face mental defects or be deformed. I was born in 1984, perfectly healthy. They don’t always know what they think they do. Now I’m 35 with 3 kids of my own.

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I know 2 families, both are fine. One is 10 other is 6 no problems what so ever… 1st 2 years were hardest

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I strongly suggest getting a second opinion.

I know someone who’s something or other aas outside her body. She has gone through a few operations but all in all she’s doing great now.

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Anything can resolve itself. I know a family who had this same issue and currently have a very healthy 4 year old boy. Do not abort over a doctor’s insecurities.

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God gives you what he thinks you can handle.

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So that is fairly common and there are doctors who know plenty about it. I would get a second opinion!! My own child had that and the doctors where able to repair it. She would have been perfectly fine and lived a wonderful life if it hadn’t been from chromosomal problems.

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The baby will be fine keep it

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My cousin had a little girl who had this and yep she had a few surgeries but is a fighting fit girl now!!

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Doctors told me something similar. They even had me meet with a counselor and made me sign wavers because I refused everything. I got 2nd and 3rd opinions, did multiple tests. Everyone gave me different answers… But my answer remained the same. I was going to have my baby, regardless of the outcome…he was born perfectly healthy with no problems!

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I know someone’s granddaughter that was born with her intestines outside of her body and survived childbirth and still doing well after surgery. She has to have a colostomy bag for at least a year with hopes of having it reversed and not need it anymore.

When the baby is born, it’s a whole different mindset, will they struggle in life? Yes. But will they have parents who will go above and beyond for them cause of love is the real question!

When my mom was pregnant with me she was told that there was a chance that I would have been born with severe autism or trisomy 18 ( I would not have lived to see my first birthday) and there was about a 5% chance that I would have been born with nothing wrong and my parents decided to follow through with the pregnancy and take the chance and I ended up with nothing wrong.

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I’m so sorry you have to deal with this.
Good luck and strength to you, whatever you choose.

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You need to do what’s right for you and for your family. You also need to be sure you have all the information on this condition as humanely possibly so you know you will have made the right decision. So find another doctor that knows about this condition. This is also not a pro life/ pro choice moment. This is a hugely personal decision you and your husband have to decide together.

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Doctors cam definitely be wrong! This condition is more common than you would think. Get a 2nd opinion with more experienced doctors. This is definitely a tough decision to make. I personally would go ahead with the pregnancy. However only you and your spouse can ultimately make that decision.

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My baby had the same thing they called it gastroschisis. She is a perfect happy healthy 2 year old now!!! We spent a month in the nicu and they pushed everything back in she never had surgery and it was fine every case is different

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My friend was told her baby had holes in her heart and that she should either terminate her pregnancy or be prepared for a life full of surgeries and difficulties. She didn’t terminate and the holes closed up on their own. They baby girl is completely healthy, thank God. Doctors can be wrong :woman_shrugging:t3:

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My son had this. He is now 7. Message me if you need support!!

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I’d personally get more doctors opinions ASAP.
But sweetheart, facebook can’t help you with this one. You’re the mama. You decide what’s best for your child. And it’s ok to have reservations. It’s ok to change your mind 10 times before deciding. It’s ok to regret your decision later, too. You’re that little boy’s mama whether you decide to let him go peacefully now, or you decide to stand and fight with him. There’s no wrong decision made out of love. Don’t you dare let these faceless women make you feel bad about any choice that you make. I wish you peace either way. I wish him and you all the best. Your heartfelt choice is all he needs, Pumpkin. You can do this.

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Get a second opinion!! Then make an educated decision

First, breathe. You don’t have to rush your decision. I understand that you’re scared, I would be too. I would recommend seeing a few other doctors, at children’s hospitals with specialists. A specialist who deals with high risk pregnancies on a regular basis, may be able to better evaluate the fragile situation and present you with more information and options. Wishing you and your family the very best, and many hugs sent your way. :heartpulse:

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I would NEVER terminate his life on a “chance.” You never know what might happen. Give him life. The regret you may have is too severe.

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I would personally keep the baby. Lay it on God’s hands, and He will guide you. Prayers for you!

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My daughter was born with this. It’s called Gastroschisis. Her intestines crawled out of her abdomen and this was found at 12 weeks pregnant. It was a normal pregnancy for the most part but at 36 weeks I had to have an emergency c-section because her instestines were getting mixed with amniotic fluid which wasn’t good. She was in the hospital for 6 weeks. She had surgery at 1 week, and was released 5 weeks later. Before surgery the doctors take the baby right after birth and clean her intestines and placed them in a hanging silo. Day by day they would slowly squeeze the intestines back in to ensure they would be able to fit in surgery day. It was a journey and I was practically living in the hospital. She was fed by tube for maybe 4 weeks and then bottle fed from then. When we were admitted to the NICU we were the only case of this. Leaving the NICU there were 3 cases. She is 10 years old now and is thriving! She has a completely normal life. She’s athletic, smart, is healthy. The only thing she has now is a reconstructed belly button which makes her uncomfortable but that’s about it. Stay strong mama!

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My son was boring with a few birth defects too he had his whole stomach tooking out the day he was borning he had something like this he had to get a G-tube and a colonoscopy he stay in the hops. Till he was 5 month old he had 3 surgeries done to him, he had eight blockages in his stomach he could not eat when he was born they had to take his whole stomach out I though he was not going to make it I wouldn’t get abortion you never know what the doctors can do for your baby it could be a miracle he was able to be put back together he is 6 year old now and healthy he still have, some genetic problems but over all he healthy now all that matter I will pray for you hun I would keep my baby if it was me I hope you make the right decision it’s all up to you on what you decide to do hun stay strong god will be with you

I have a cousin that was born with her intestines and heart out side of her body and she is now 30 with 3 kids of her own…healthy as a horse… if I recall I think she had to have 2 or 3 surgeries when she was little… but came out fine…

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I’d take the chance for my baby x

SECOND OPINION!

my friends daughter was born with her intestines out of her abdomen and she’s now 3 and living a perfectly normal and healthy life

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I know someome who had a baby with this. Shes around 10 and perfectly healthy. The fact that your drs say they aren’t sure how things will go? Find a dr who knows what their doing. This isn’t super uncommon and a lot of times the babies turn out perfectly fine after their procedure

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It is not rare!!! My 3 year old had it and is thriving!!! It’s called gastroschisis.
Please search gastroschisis support group and Avery’s angels! Please PM with questions!!!

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second opinion dont terminate your baby😢

Do you live in an area where there is good medical care? I think this is an important factor in this decision u need to make. Unless there are other complicating factors, I think this is correctable. But given the fact they are saying to could be a life long disability, it’s either something more complicated or you aren’t getting great medical Advice. Maybe you need to go somewhere where you can get a second opinion. You should do it quickly, however. If you are considering termination, you only have a few more weeks to make that decision without it becoming a more complicated (and expensive) procedure.

Whatever happens I hope you can find some peace In your decision.

This kids are superheros!! Please give your little one a chance and dont kill him or her. Their lives are worth saving!!!

I would give him a chance at life. You never know what can happen between now and delivery.

There is a name for it and if your doctors can’t give you solid answers in what they know, I’d be seeing a new ob!!! I have a friend who’s baby had this same (hole with his intestines on the outside of his body) which is what your baby will have. Yes it’s a huge surgery!! But that baby can and will live an awesome life if you give it the chance. My friends son is now 4yrs old. Happy and healthy boy with minimal dairy sensitivities more like just cheese and stuff that constipates you.

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My friend lost her baby to this a few days after he was born :broken_heart:

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That happened 2 me when I was pregnant and my son came out just fine no intestines coming outta his belly button they also said he had a high chance of comin out with spinabifida and again it perfectly healthy normal and happy
Girl don’t stress yourself out and worry for nothing and if it is something deal with it then
That’s my advice :grin:

You dont have to terminate. I had an employee who had two children with this defect, they had multiple surgeries but are normal and healthy. It’s more common than you think

My step daughter had this and was born blue but she is a happy active girl now.

My friends son had this. He was a premie and had a few issues. But he has had a pretty normal life.

Prayers for baby,and prayers for you to keep the baby . This baby does have a heart and it beats everyday. I think you both eould both hate yourselves if you terminate.

I am so sorry about this I don’t know how much research you have done fetal medicine but would try to reach out to a physician that is a specialist on this before you decide to terminate. But also you need to look into if this qualifies you for medical assistances for your child because it could be financially difficult with the surgical care but there are programs in place for special cases, try seeing if a hospital case manager can help you get those resources. Good luck will be praying for you

Whatever ypu decide, follow your heart. Don’t let anyone make you feel guilty for whichever you choose.

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Get a second opinion, and then you have to make the decision. Do what you think would be best for the baby. Good luck, and I’m sorry you’re put in this situation :heart:

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That’s actually extremely common and a very simple surgery that they do all the time!

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This actually isn’t as uncommon as you think. You need a new doctor

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If there is even a chance that he will be ok…dont terminate

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Personally, I would get a second (and maybe even a third) opinion. If the opinions were all similar, I would terminate the pregnancy. Yes, there are definitely circumstances where people have been born with organs outside the body. It isn’t unheard of. And if common “folk” such as ourselves know that much, then there must be something about this situation that doctors find different than the usual set of circumstances when this happens - otherwise the doctors would be saying what people are saying here… that babies survive being born with organs outside of their body. As such, I wouldn’t put the child nor myself nor my marriage nor any current or future children thru the stresses and difficulities of caring for a severely disabled child.

Stephanie Conley can you comment about your sister

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I had a nephew born with that hes grown and fine today

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I have a friend this happened to. and their daughter is fine. after receiving a cap. Then once she got a little bigger they were able to get everything back in. She’s going on 12 years old. Def get a 2nd opinion before you decide.

Hey mama this is actually incredibly common! I’d stick thru it! Also time to get some new doctors since these don’t seem to care or at least try🙄 you gotta find some that have dealt with this and will give you your best options❤️

Myself? I couldn’t terminate with all the medical knowledge now. For you, get a second opinion. Your baby can be perfectly normal, though may have surgery. Look up the condition yourself, research it, second opinion then ask questions then when you see your Dr.

Someone I know their baby was born that way. They did surgery and he is completely fine and 4 years old.

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I’m no doctor but I’ve heard if this and it can be fixed.

My daughter was in the NICU with a boy that had that. Now I’m sire there was a lot of aftercare but he was only there 2 weeks. Had surgery and recovered well.

I had a baby like that and he passed away after 24days in the nicu he never made it home but I took the chance some do survive :sob:

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Get a second and third opinion

No it isn’t uncommon and hes in his 40s know they know lots more today than back then

The defect can sugically be repaired and the baby should not have a y life threatening problem with it.