Talking to Others

Use this decision tool to discuss your decision with your partner, your family or your health professional. Talking to others might help you make a decision.

Reasons to have amniocentesis
Tick the relevant boxes

You want to find out if your baby has a problem.
You would want a termination if a problem is found.
You want to have options if a problem is found.
The risk of miscarriage is lower than your chance of having a baby with Down’s syndrome.
You feel that your partner, friends or family want you to have an amniocentesis.
There might have been previous chromosomal abnormalities in your family.

Can you think of any other reasons?

Reasons not to have amniocentesis
Tick the relevant boxes

You don’t want to take the risk of miscarriage after an amniocentesis.
You are against termination.
The risk of miscarriage is higher than your chance of having a baby with Down’s syndrome.
You may have decided that having an amniocentesis and possible termination is not compatible with your religious beliefs.
You may be scared about having an amniocentesis.
You feel that your partner, friends or family don’t want you to have an amniocentesis.

Can you think of any other reasons?

Click on the answer that best applies to you and discuss your answers with others

If a problem was found after an amniocentesis, I would terminate the pregnancy.


Yes	No	Unsure

If a problem was found after an amniocentesis, I would continue with the pregnancy.


Yes	No	Unsure

If I decided not to have an amniocentesis, I would worry for the rest of the pregnancy.


Yes	No	Unsure

I couldn’t cope with miscarrying after an amniocentesis.


Yes	No	Unsure

I am prepared to take the risk of losing a healthy baby after an amniocentesis.


Yes	No	Unsure

The most important thing for me is to find out if the baby has a problem.


Yes	No	Unsure

I have enough information to make a decision


Yes	No	Unsure

Are there other concerns or questions you would like to discuss with your partner, family or health professional?

Are you leaning towards having or not having an amniocentesis?
Click the box that best represents your current state of mind.

Yes Amniocentesis			Unsure			No Amniocentesis

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