Pregnancy Following a Prenatal Diagnosis of a Lethal Prognosis for the Fetus/Child (LFD) – Women's Perspective

Abstract

A lethal fetal diagnosis defines severe developmental disorders that lead to the death of the child either before birth or shortly after. In the global healthcare system, the issue of stillbirths has been overlooked, and care for this group of families has been neglected. As a result, the experiences of women during pregnancy following a prenatal diagnosis of a lethal prognosis for the fetus/child have not been sufficiently studied. However, in the last decade, increasing attention has been given to this issue, and the topic of caring for families who, despite a lethal diagnosis, choose to carry the pregnancy to term has become an important public health concern. Taking into account the needs of this group of women/parents, perinatal hospices have been established, providing multidisciplinary perinatal care tailored to the needs of these families. Research indicates that despite the anticipated loss of the child, parents can have positive experiences related to the period of waiting for the birth and the delivery of a lethally ill child. Through professional, empathetic medical care, parents can be provided with the space to experience prenatal parenthood, growth in personal strength, relationships with others, and an appreciation for life. Therefore, the aim of the article is to describe selected stages/issues of the pregnancy period in women following a prenatal diagnosis of a lethal prognosis for the fetus/child.