[LoisEm]

I have recently had to have a abortion because my baby was suffering from Amniotic Band Syndrome
Me and my boyfriend went to the 12 week scan expecting to see a little baby and hear a little heart beat but instead we got told they couldn't hear a heartbeat because our baby was all wrapped up by bands causing its head to cover its heart and its arms and legs was all tied together so it couldn't move at all this happens becase there is a rupture in the Amniotic sac and bands from the sac can get tangled round the baby. We got told there was a good chance it would be born with no arms or legs because of how bad it was wrapped up.
I'm really struggling to come to terms with what has happened its always in my head and I'm finding it hard to concentrate at college. I just need someone to talk to as I can't talk to my boyfriend about it. All I want is a baby and its killing me knowing I had to have an abortion even though it was for the best is there anyone else that's suffered from this??

[TwiceThe Woman]

Suspect that the lack of response is proof as to how rare this condition is.
Perhaps contact a large city maternity unit and ask if they can refer you to an obstetrics counsellor.
I'm really sorry for your loss and grief.

[Chedasha]

So sorry for your loss. I have only heard about this as it was in a book I read. I am so sorry you had to terminate your much wanted pregnancy.

[soontobegran]

I am so very sorry.
I have cared for babies who have suffered ABS, this was in the years before ultrasound was around or in it's early days when vision was too poor to be able to pick up such things.
As I am sure you have been told it is an extremely rare complication of pregnancy and the truth is that you will not see too many babies being born these days with major deformity due to ABS because of the number of U/S's available for pregnant mums these days.
The recommendation then decision to terminate is such a tough one and most parents would make the choice dependent on the level of disability the baby was going to have.
I think from what you have described that your precious little one was going to be severely disabled by the bands and I believe you have made the right but heartbreaking decision.

There is a group called 'amnioticbandsyndrome.com' who have a support group which I believe is extremely helpful.
I hope you have people around you supporting you through this difficult time.

[TarneeW]

I am so sorry for your loss, I can't imagine how you must be feeling... It is heartbreaking just reading your post.

I hope you don't mind me replying as i havent suffered as a result of ABS but I wanted to write as I have amniotic banding although thankfully all is ok at the moment. I am having u/s's every four weeks to check and last appointment they were decreasing in size so my fingers are crossed all will be ok.

In saying that, it is very stressful & worrying especially as the u/s's are so far apart - so much can happen during these four weeks I guess.

Look after yourself and wishing you the best for the future. I hope you can find a support person to help you get through this difficult time.

[ms flib]

I'm so sorry about what you've had to go through - it's very sad.

I think it's important that you find a way to talk to your boyfriend about this. He probably doesn't know what to say or may be in denial about what you have lost. It's not just a 12 week pregnancy but also lots of dreams and hopes for the future - a shared future.

All the best and take care.