THREAD: I'm a neonatologist and focus on counseling couples expecting a baby with severe birth defects. 1/x
The ultrasound in a pregnancy to assess the fetus' anatomy is around 20 weeks gestation. If a problem is found, the woman is referred to high risk OBs for further evaluation and scans. (Now at 22-24 weeks gestation).2/x
Sometimes the diagnosis is different (better or worse) and sometimes more testing is needed, pushing things out further. 3/x
Live in a rural area or have difficult insurance? You're looking at multiple weeks more to get an accurate diagnosis and prognosis. 4/x
These are usually desired pregnancies with anomalies. Sometimes the couple has been trying for years, spends $$ on IVF etc and now are faced with a baby who may die soon after birth (or in utero) and/or have a poor quality of life. 5/x
Sometimes the brain may be so malformed the baby is not expected to walk, talk, or have communication, vision, or hearing. 6/x
Many couples still choose to carry their baby to term, knowing they may never leave the hospital alive. We support them wholeheartedly. This is difficult news to give, and I'm sure much harder to receive. 7/x
Other couples may another loving decision, which is to not put their baby through that experience. We support them also. It is always clear that the decision is being made out of love. 8/x
I have seen nothing from Mitch McConnell to think he has a sliver of empathy in his body for these couples facing the impossible choice my patients have to make. 9/x
If he did, I am certain he would allow these choices to be made solely between the mother, her partner, and her physicians. On behalf of my future patients, please let your senators know how you feel about this. @physicianwomen 10/10
