Continuing Pregnancy

Continuing your pregnancy may have been an easy or a difficult decision to make…

If you have chosen to continue your pregnancy, are awaiting further tests or scans, or you are unable to have a compassionate termination, we are here to support you every step of the way.

There is no right way to feel about the impending few weeks or months, everybody deals with it differently. LMC are are here for you any time you are struggling, leading up to and after your baby’s delivery.

Only you know what is right for you, your family and your baby. It is important to feel that you have made the choice that is right for you. We recognise that some parents may have felt that ending pregnancy was the right path, but had to continue pregnancy due to financial constraints or other responsibilities. We can provide a safe, confidential and independent space for you to discuss your feelings or just to talk, scream or cry.

The moment you receive a fatal or life limiting foetal diagnosis is a moment that no parent can prepare for. Your world has just been turned upside down. That moment can bring an onslaught of emotions including anger, confusion, disbelief, fear, isolation, numbness amongst many others. Above all of these you will experience grief for what you imagined your life with your baby would be like. Deciding to end or continue on with a pregnancy is a deeply personal one which is completely individual to your circumstances. Like any decision in these circumstances, deciding to continue on with a pregnancy has as many challenges as it has rewards.

When the pregnancy continues it allows you more time, both to navigate your own thoughts and emotions but also to create memories with your baby. These can be in the form of whatever you would do if your baby was beside you: lullabies, reading a special story, and outings… but that can also be bittersweet because it can feel like you’re grieving your baby while they’re still alive inside you.

There can also be well meaning but difficult conversations and comments with family, friends and strangers as your pregnancy becomes more visible and these can be painful to navigate. Having some prepared answers can be one way not to prolong these conversations if you don’t wish to.

Your healthcare journey will likely involve many more scans and medical appointments to monitor your baby’s condition. They can be exhausting to navigate but can also be a source of support. Ask your team for as much information as you wish on your baby’s condition, your birth plan, what will happen next or any information that will help you feel more prepared. The hospital bereavement team can also suggest further memory making ideas such as recording your baby’s heartbeat, photos and handprints when they’re born so ask them for any suggestions they might have.

Pregnancy can make tough physical demands on your body and that can be more difficult knowing that you’re not going to have a healthy baby at the end of it all. Sometimes it can feel like all the medical attention is focused on the baby. Remember that your health, physical and mental is important too so don’t be afraid to talk to your healthcare team about any issues that you’re experiencing. Every family’s experience of this journey will be different and there is no ‘right’ way to do it, it comes down to whatever works best for you. LMC will provide you with support wherever you are in your journey, through whatever you decide so know you’re not alone travelling this path.