To Young to Know

My baby sister is 15 yrs old and is pregnant with her first child. She has seen a specialist due to the fact that something was wrong with her heart beat on the ultra sound. She has since been diagnosed with ASD. She seems to be handling everything ok but now they are testing the baby for down syndrome among other abnormalities. People in our lives seem to think that if the baby ends up being very sickly that she should maybe have an abortion or give it up for adoption, im so scared for my baby sister and for the child laying in the balance. I have done research and i just want to know what the likely hood of this child being sick is going tobe and what we should do when and if that does happen. Please help

[grendslori]

Just because your sister has an ASD doesn't mean that the baby will have a problem. Why are they testing for any abnormalities? Even if this baby is born with a problem is no reason to give the baby up. Anyone on this forum will tell you that even though many of us have had to go through some harrowing moments with these children born with, sometimes terminal illnesses, we have all gained and grown for the experiences of knowing these children and dealing with their heart disease. No one can tell you or your sister what to do. Only you know that. It is more important that she consider whether or not she can give this baby a loving home with the support of a loving family to help with the rearing of this baby. Fifteen is not the best time in one's life to bring a baby into this world; the fifteen year old hasn't lived a long enough life to know how to deal with a baby, they need the help of an older generation.

[momtofourboys]

I agree, I also know that every women, at least that I know, goes through with being tested for issues like down syndromes. I refused the test because I didn't care if  my baby was perfect or not. He is perfect in my eyes and he does have cardiac issues. his cardiac issues ahs made me a stronger person
The only thing my son's cardiologist told us about him with his 2 ASD and his very large VSD was taht he could and most likely would pass it on to one of his kids.and since I just had a child with this issue, my next child could have the same problem. I am not trying to sound mean or anything but I was a single mom, yes i was 20 but I can remember my mom cryong to her mom about how worried she was about me and the baby being a single parent. all my grandmother said was what makes her different the LIZ(my married sister) there are many married parents out there that shouldn't be parents and there are many young people who are single parents who do just great. would it make a difference it she was 30 and had a challenge for her child. NO it wouldn't it is very hard at any age.
I wish you and your sister the best of luck and I hope the test come back fine. you can't always believe those test either. a friend was told her son was gong to have Downs and he didn't he is fine.
Please keep us updated on your sister and yourself.
I hope your family will be suportive of her no matter what SHE chooses to do even if the little one is sick.
Michelle