PRENATAL-DIAGNOSIS OF DOWN-SYNDROME - MOTHERS REFLECTIONS ON SUPPORTSNEEDED FROM DIAGNOSIS TO BIRTH

A qualitative study involving 10 mothers who received a prenatal diagn osis of Down syndrome and chose to continue their pregnancy was presen ted. The time frame considered was diagnosis to delivery, We looked at how the diagnosis was presented, the decision to continue the pregnan cy, and the mothers' experience with professionals from diagnosis to d elivery. Mothers' suggestions to others facing the same challenges and to their health care providers were discussed as were the types of su pport given these mothers and what was or would have been most helpful to them. The importance of professionals reviewing their procedures a nd protocols for working with families facing similar circumstances wa s stressed.