Shared decision making and the pathways approach in the prenatal and postnatal management of the trisomy 13 and trisomy 18 syndromes.

The medical management of infants with the trisomy 13 and trisomy 18 syndromes is challenging and controversial. Both conditions have high neonatal and infant mortality, and surviving children display significant cognitive and motor disabilities. Currently, there exists a tension in the neonatal and perinatal communities regarding care.

Talking about the unthinkable: perinatal/neonatal communication issues and procedures.

Clinician-parent conversations in perinatology and neonatology are demanding. They take place over a period of time and ask much of the clinician. Many parents insist that they want thorough explanations so they can understand the medical information and its impact on them.